Reportedly, at least five Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) fell victim to suspected armed herdsmen in separate attacks in Benue state’s Gwer West and Agatu Local Government Areas (LGAs). The incidents occurred as the IDPs were returning from their farms.
In Agagbe community, three victims were fatally attacked at Tse Abua in Gwer West LGA, while two others met the same fate at Olegomachi village in Agatu LGA.
Among those killed at Tse Abua were Solomon Ameeya (38 years old) from Tse Kuan, Mr. Adagu Terwase (40 years old) from Tse Abua, and Terkende Orkaha (16 years old) from Tse Maihwa. According to a survivor, Terfa Orkaha, who is the elder brother of Terkende Orkaha, the victims encountered an ambush as they returned to Agagbe town due to their homes being destroyed by the attackers. They were reportedly attacked around 4pm near NKST Church Tse Nyamti, with some fleeing towards Agagbe town and others towards the village. The armed herdsmen pursued those heading towards the village, resulting in fatal shootings.
The military responded upon receiving information, recovering three bodies while the attackers had already fled. Adagu Terwase and Terkende Orkaha have been buried, while Solomon Ameeya’s body was taken to Agagbe Mortuary.
On the same day, around 5pm, the marauders struck Olegomachi village, killing two IDPs and injuring three others who were returning from their farm duties before fleeing the scene.
When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, stated she had not yet received reports on these incidents.
