5 killed, youth leader missing as gunmen attack communities in Benue
Obi Tylor Ibinta (killed)
At least five people have been killed and a youth leader is believed to be missing in a fresh attack on communities in two local government areas in Benue state.
Villagers said the incident happened separately in Atakpa community in Agatu LGA and Iwili, Otukpo LGA of the state on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
Local farmers from the Iwili community in Otukpo LGA alleged that one person identified as Obi Tylor Ibinta was killed during the invasion by the armed invaders, while four others were killed in Atakpa village of the Agatu LGA.
Confirming the attack to the Daily Trust, Agatu local government council chairman Joseph Ngbede said suspected thugs invaded Atakpa around 5pm on Thursday and fired random fire during which four people were killed, while the location of the youth leader was not established after the incident. .
“I can confirm that four people were shot dead, one (a youth leader) missing and another injured during the attack on Atakpa village by armed herdsmen,” Ngbede said.
“It was a random shot at Atakpa to be precise at 5pm on Thursday and their mission was unknown to us. It was unexpected, last time we checked we don’t think Atakpa had a problem with them. The youth leader of Atakpa has disappeared, the police are still looking.
“And as we speak, there are threats on Ogbaulu, near Atakpa. The village has never been attacked but there is a threat now that they are coming.
Sunday Oteyi, a former Agatu council secretary, who confirmed the incident, said four people were killed in Atakpa, a village near Oshigbugdu while some were hospitalized.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of State of the Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Galma, said they were unaware of what really happened in Agatu respectively. and in Otukpo, as there were no herders residing in the troubled areas.
He said the association was meeting in Makurdi at the time of this report on the crisis in affected communities.
State Police Command spokeswoman SP Catherine Anene confirmed there was an attack on Agatu but has not yet given details.
“The attack on Agatu is confirmed but the detailed report has not been sent yet,” Anene added.
