Bandits reportedly killed three villagers who were farming in the Ogbaulu community of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State.
Someone familiar with the information, who talked to reporters on the phone on Saturday, said that the victims were tending to their individual farms on Friday afternoon when the bandits assaulted them.
“Unknown gunmen killed three people on Friday at their farms in Ogbaulu community,” said a local person who chose not to be named.
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Yakubu Ochepo, confirmed the attack and stated that the attackers came from neighbouring Apa LGA and brutally killed the victims.
The chairman confirmed, “The incident occurred on Friday and the attackers came from Apa LGA. Two of the deceased were from Agatu while the other victim was from Apa LGA.
Bandits have carried out numerous attacks in Otukpo and Apa Agatu LGAs.
Upset by the frequent attacks and killings in his area, Dr. John Eliagwu Odogbo, the paramount ruler of the Idoma nation, condemned the recent series of attacks in Agatu and nearby areas.
According to a statement by his media aide, Onuminya Odoba, the royal father expressed sorrow over the reported killing of three individuals on their farms.
The monarch expressed deep concern about the news of the killing of people carrying out their lawful activities by unknown attackers.
“Agaba-Idu urges the Police and local vigilantes to stop this trend, investigate, and bring the culprits to justice.
“Agaba-Idu assures all law-abiding people in Idoma land of peaceful living within the kingdom, and is working tirelessly with his Council of Chiefs in cooperation with government agencies to ensure people can live and conduct businesses in our lands peacefully, safely, and prosperously,” the statement read.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Office, Catherine Anene, for a response to the latest incident in Agatu were unsuccessful as her phone went unanswered.
In April, bandits 26 people were killed in attacks on three different communities in the Gwer West Local Government Area of the state.
The victims included six personnel of the state security outfits known as ‘Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards who were deployed to provide security for a family attending a burial.
