Fear grips Benue community after deadly dawn attack by suspected herders

Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

A fresh wave of violence has hit Benue State as suspected Fulani herders reportedly attacked Eyeyi community in Ogboju, located in Agatu Local Government Area, leaving no fewer than 20 people dead and several others injured.

The attack, which occurred at dawn on Tuesday, comes barely three days after the visit of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Latunji Rilwan Disu, to Benue State as part of efforts to address the persistent security challenges in the state.

Although local sources claimed that at least 20 persons lost their lives during the invasion, the Benue State Police Command confirmed that 13 bodies had so far been recovered, while several other residents remain unaccounted for.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said police operatives were still combing the affected area in search of those reported missing.

She stated that the recovered bodies had been evacuated, while injured victims were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

According to the police spokesperson, security agencies have intensified operations in the area to restore normalcy and prevent further attacks.

She disclosed that a detachment of armed police officers had been deployed to the affected community to maintain law and order and reassure residents of their safety.

Checks by The Mirror revealed that many residents fled Eyeyi community following the attack, seeking refuge in neighbouring communities for fear of further violence.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, narrated that the attackers stormed the community in the early hours of Tuesday, firing sporadically at residents.

“The gunmen came at dawn while people were still asleep. They started shooting indiscriminately, and many people were killed while others sustained injuries. Several residents have fled because they fear the attackers may return,” the source said.

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives were continuing search and rescue operations, while tension remained high across the affected community.

Residents have again called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive action to end the recurring attacks in Benue State.