At least four people have been killed in a renewed attack by suspected armed herders in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Drivetvnews gathered that the victims were reportedly ambushed on Sunday morning along the Aila Odugheho road while heading to a nearby community.
A resident, Danny Uloko, said the attackers laid in wait before striking, killing the victims on the spot. He identified those killed as Ochefije Elijah Ojema, Igojuju Husaini, Odiya Ochowehi, and Ochoyoda Adejo.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, said security measures in the area had made large-scale invasions more difficult, forcing attackers to adopt ambush tactics.
According to him, “Due to strengthened security presence, it is now harder for them to overrun communities. Instead, they now resort to ambush attacks, which are more difficult to prevent.”
He added that security operatives, including police officers and local vigilantes, have launched clearance operations in nearby forests to track down those responsible and prevent further attacks.
When contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive an official report, noting that efforts to reach officers in the affected area were unsuccessful.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over escalating violence in the region. Just days earlier, gunmen reportedly attacked another community within the same local government area, killing a traditional ruler along with members of his family.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to restore calm and strengthen security across affected communities.
