A quiet evening turned tragic in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday, May 17, as gunmen opened fire on traders returning from the popular Oweto market, killing at least 15 people.
The victims were travelling through Ogwumogbo and Okpo’okpolo communities when they were ambushed by armed attackers who had reportedly laid in wait near a small stream called Abekoko.
John Ikwulono, a former Vice Chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed the incident and described the attack as brutal.
“Five of the victims were killed between Ogbayi and Ogwumogbo, where there’s a small stream called Abekoko,” he said.
“One of them was identified as Ali from Ogwumogbo. The identities of the other four are still unknown. Many others were injured.”
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An aide to Agatu LGA Chairman Melvin James, confirmed the attack on behalf of his boss. The aide alleged that the attackers were armed herders, Daily Trust reports.
Benue State Police spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, also said the command had not received any official report on the attack, First News gathered.
The killings have added to the growing death toll in Benue. Between April 1 and May 17, at least 174 people have been killed across several local governments, including Gwer East, Guma, Otukpo, Kwande, Apa, Makurdi, and especially Sankera, which alone recorded 83 deaths within five days in April.
Locals fear the actual toll could be even higher, as many attacks in remote villages often go unreported.