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Suspected armed herdsmen have launched fresh attacks on Ikpele and Okpokpolo communities in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, resulting in the death of at least two persons.
The attackers reportedly set several houses ablaze and many residents are currently missing.
This recent assault occurred just a week after a similar attack on Okokolo community in Agatu LGA, where three security personnel and two others lost their lives.
We gathered from a source in the area that the assailants, believed to have come from neighbouring Nasarawa State, descended on the communities on Tuesday around 10 p.m.
The attacks reportedly continued throughout the night, with residents facing a harrowing ordeal.
“The attack happened yesterday (Tuesday) night. They attacked Ikpele, Okpokpolo, and other places all night yesterday, and we are yet to get the exact number of persons killed.
“There was a serious battle in the night. Two bodies have so far been recovered. Many houses were burnt.
“In fact, within the attacked communities, at least 17 burnt houses were counted. People have deserted their homes and are seeking shelter in neighbouring towns and villages.” stated the source.
Mike Inalegwu, a community leader and former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, confirmed the incident.
He said, “The truth is that yesterday, the armed herdsmen attacked Okpokpolo village and killed two persons while the villagers were thinking of their speculative attack on the Ogbai community.
“The tension is high, and the seven villages on the Kogi State border of the local government are deserted. This is authoritative.”
Chief Joseph Har, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, also confirmed the attack but mentioned that he did not have specific details regarding the casualty figures at this time.
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