A recent assault on the Ugboju community in Benue State’s Agatu Local Government Area has left numerous individuals feared dead, with conflicting reports on the exact casualty figures. A local resident identified as Oche reported the recovery of 15 corpses on Thursday morning, while others, including children, remain missing.
Initial accounts suggested that nine people perished in the attack, allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen. This incident adds to a series of violent outbreaks in the region, including the January 28, 2024, assault that claimed eight lives. Just weeks earlier, armed assailants, believed to be herders, killed four individuals, including two soldiers, in the same locality.
Former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mike Inalegwu, confirmed the latest assault, stating that numerous fatalities occurred and many individuals, including children, are unaccounted for. Similarly, Godwin Edoh, a member of the House of Assembly representing Agatu State Constituency, decried the lack of response from authorities, revealing that the Ugboju community bore the brunt of the attack.
Despite appeals for assistance falling on deaf ears, community leaders continue efforts to locate missing persons. The Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, awaits information from the Divisional Police Officer in Agatu.
The surge in violence prompted Governor Hyacinth Alia to request increased military presence in November 2023, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures across several local government areas.
The recent visit by a delegation from the United States Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis gripping the state. As Benue grapples with escalating violence, urgent action is imperative to safeguard lives and restore peace to the region.
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