Fresh Herdsmen Attacks Rock Benue: Several Killed in Agatu and Apa LGAs Despite Security Promises

Fresh violence erupted in Benue State on Monday evening as suspected herdsmen launched deadly assaults in Agatu and Apa Local Government Areas, leaving multiple residents dead and communities in fear.

In Agatu LGA, one of the victims was identified as Sunday Dutse, a native of Odejo and younger brother to a former local government chairman. Dutse was reportedly killed along the Odugbeho-Ogbaulu road. Sources revealed he had been displaced by a previous attack and was taking refuge in Ogwule-Kaduna, also within Agatu, before the latest incident.

Earlier the same day, a separate attack occurred in Edikwu-G’Icho, a community in Apa LGA. Three youths were reportedly ambushed and killed. Two of the deceased were natives of Edikwu-G’Icho, while the third hailed from Ugbokpo.

These fresh attacks come on the heels of a recent high-level visit by top military authorities, including the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who had assured residents of enhanced security and swift action to quell ongoing violence in the region.

The latest killings have sparked renewed concerns over the effectiveness of security interventions in Benue’s volatile communities.