Terror in Benue: Police Officer, 8 Others Killed in String of Attacks

At least nine individuals, including a police officer, have been confirmed dead following a wave of coordinated attacks by suspected armed men in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. The assaults, which began last Friday and extended through Tuesday, affected multiple villages, namely Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, Olegagbani, and Ikpele.

Local sources allege that the assailants, believed to be armed herdsmen, crossed into Benue from neighbouring Kogi State to launch the attacks before retreating across the state border.

A resident identified as Odeny detailed the sequence of violence, stating that two people were killed in Okwutanobe on Friday, while a single fatality occurred in Okpokpolo on Saturday. Monday’s attack in Olegagbani resulted in another death, and on Tuesday, five people—including a police officer—were reportedly killed in Ikpele.

Confirming the incidents, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, James Melvin, stated that four deaths were recorded in the initial attacks, with an additional five fatalities in the latest incident. He condemned the violence and linked it to a possible reprisal by herders following reports of cattle rustling in the area.

Melvin referenced grievances reportedly raised by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), urging restraint and calling on aggrieved parties to allow lawful investigations rather than resorting to violence.

He commended the efforts of security agencies in responding to the situation but highlighted that the poor condition of rural roads continued to hinder timely intervention by security forces.