Bandits recently launched attacks on communities in three local government areas of Benue State, resulting in the tragic deaths of five individuals.
The attacks occurred in Agatu, Apa, and Gwer West Local Government Areas, with additional reports of injuries and kidnappings in Apa LGA.
According to local residents, the bandits attacked Ikpele village in Agatu LGA on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including one who was beheaded and three who were amputated.
Additionally, one person was killed in a separate attack on rural farmers in Gwer West LGA, bringing the total casualties to five across both LGAs. Many others sustained injuries during these incidents.
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In Apa LGA, no deaths were recorded, but bandits kidnapped a woman during their siege along the Otukpo-Adoka-Oweto highway on Sunday and Monday.
Gunshots were reported in Asaba-Ojantele, and a woman was abducted between Iga and river Okpene.
Joseph Adakole, a humanitarian worker in the area, expressed concern over the escalating attacks by armed invaders in Idoma land, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention as lives are lost daily, homes are destroyed, and farm produce is devastated.
The state government conducted a mass burial on Tuesday for 17 victims of a previous armed herders’ attack in Mbaikyor, Mbalom, Gwer-East LGA.
Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by Deputy Governor Sam Ode, highlighted the importance of community vigilante groups as a solution to these incessant attacks.
At the burial, Governor Alia condemned the tragic loss of lives and pledged to improve security measures, including constructing a road for easier access by security agencies and establishing a police station in the affected community.
Elias Audu, a member of the Benue House of Assembly representing Gwer East, criticized the security response to the attacks, noting the availability of fighter planes that were not deployed during the siege.
Community leaders emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect lives and property, urging enhanced security measures and the establishment of security posts to prevent future incidents.
The victims were honored with an interdenominational service before their final interment, underscoring the collective grief and mourning felt by the community due to these tragic events.
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