At least two persons have been reportedly killed in fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on Ikpele and Okpokpolo communities of Agatu Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State.

The attackers also razed several houses in the communities; while many have been declared missing, others were reported to have sustained injuries.

This came barely a week after three security personnel and two others were killed in a similar attack on Okokolo community, also in Agatu LGA.

It was gathered from a source in the area that the marauders stormed the communities in their numbers Tuesday night at about 10 p.m. from neighbouring Nasarawa State.

According to the source, “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.”

A community leader and former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Mike Inalegwu, who confirmed the incident, 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 is deserted. This is authoritative.”

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

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene, said she had yet to receive details of the incident.