2 killed, many injured in fresh herdsmen attack

 TWO persons were reportedly killed in fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Ikpele and Okpokpolo communities of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

It was gathered that the attackers of the Ikpele and Okpokpolo communities of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State also razed several houses while many have been declared missing.

A source in the area disclosed that the marauders stormed the communities in their numbers, Tuesday night,  about 10 pm from neighbouring Nasarawa State.

According to the source, "They attacked Ikpele and Okpokpolo and other places all through yesterday night 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 seeking shelter in neighbouring towns and villages.”

A community leader and former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mike Inalegwu, who confirmed the incident said: “The truth is that the armed herdsmen attacked Okpokpolo village and killed two persons while the villagers were thinking of their speculative attack on Ogbai community.

“The tension is high and the seven villages in Kogi State border of the local government is deserted. This is authoritative.”

Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs,  Joseph Har, who also confirmed the attack, said he had no details of the casualty figure.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP, Catherine Anene, said she was yet to receive details of the incident.