Herdsmen, bandits and kidnappers were on rampage in different parts of the country weekend, killing no fewer than 33 persons in Benue, Imo, Kebbi, Ondo and Kogi states.
Several other persons were also injured in attacks, which have further worsened the insecurity in the country.
In Ogwumogbio and Okpo’okpolo axis of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State,at least 15 persons were killed in an ambush by armed herders who invaded the area.
The attack also left several persons, most of whom were traders, injured and some missing.
It was gathered that the victims of the attack which occurred late Saturday evening, were returning from Oweto market after the day’s business and heading to their various communities when they ran into the ambush.
Former Vice Chairman of Agatu LGA, Anthony Ikwulono, who confirmed the murder of the15 persons in the attack, on his verified social media account, said it was unprovoked.
He explained that the attack was masterminded by a herder who returned to the fadama of Obagaji after he had earlier vacated the area as directed by the chairman to allow the people return to their farms, with he coming of the rains.
“After he returned, no one confronted him. On Saturday, they laid ambush in the community and killed people who were coming from Oweto market on their way to their various communities and homes. Those killed included women and children.
“The innocent Agatu victims were not prepared for anything, they did not envisage the attack and did not try to defend themselves. They took them unawares because most of them were returning from the day’s market.
“As we speak there is fear and tension in Agatu because people cannot look for the corpses of those killed in order to retrieve them from the bush for burial. But those injured have been taken to hospitals for treatment.”
Contacted the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh who also confirmed the attack, said: “I am too emotional to speak on this incident. This is the first time we are witnessing this since I became Chairman; I am sad.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Catherine Anene, said she had yet to receive report of the incident.
Herdsmen shoot sporadically, injure 1 in Imo communities
In Imo, gunmen suspected to be herders on Saturday night, invaded Agwa and Amakohia-Ubi communities.
The two boundary communities are in Oguta and Owerri West local government areas, respectively.
A local of Amakohia-Ubi, who pleaded anonymity, said the herdsmen came in their numbers and shot sporadically, while residents scampered for safety.
The attack, according to him, followed an effort by the community to stop the herders from grazing in farms in the area.
The source stated that the herders had been destroying and feeding their cattle in farms in the community.
