Gunmen recently launched a deadly assault on the Ikpelle community in Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State, resulting in the deaths of two residents.
NewsNGR reports that the attack, which occurred between Thursday and Friday, also led to numerous homes being set ablaze.
Sources quoted by Daily Trust revealed that the violence affected the Ikpelle and Egwuma communities, both located in the rural riverine area of Agatu. Locals reported that many of those displaced are farmers and fishermen.
Joseph Adakole, a local resident, expressed fear for the future, warning that if security forces fail to act quickly, their villages may be wiped out entirely.
Agatu Local Government Chairman, Melvin Ejeh, condemned the attacks, describing them as tragic. Speaking with journalists in Makurdi, he said, “I have just been informed about the attack on Egwuma community in Ogwule Ogbaulu Ward, where several houses were burned, and livestock and property worth millions of naira were looted by suspected cattle rustlers.
“I sympathize with the people of Egwuma and the surrounding areas and urge everyone to remain calm. We are working tirelessly to find a lasting solution to this ongoing crisis. Security forces have been requested for immediate deployment to restore peace, and we are also focusing on long-term solutions to prevent further violence.
“Our priority is to rebuild the affected communities and ensure the safe return of all displaced Agatu citizens. Agatu is our home, and no one should be forced to live as a displaced person in their own ancestral land.”
As of now, the state police command has not released an official statement on the incident.