It was a tragic Tuesday in Egwuma community, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, as armed attackers invaded the village.

This deadly attack saw to the death of two soldiers, a village head, and six residents.

Report has it that the assault occurred around 5 p.m., and has left the village shaken.

According to local sources, the attackers also seized weapons from the slain soldiers, seriously injuring another.

A former member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Agatu constituency, Sule Audu, confirmed the incident.

He stated that nine people, including the two soldiers, the village head of Egwuma, and six others, were killed during the attack.

The Attack

His words: “The incident happened between 4 pm and 5 pm on Tuesday.
The bandits attacked Egwuma through Akile axis, boycotting the road where soldiers were stationed. They opened fire on people in their houses.
They killed the clan head of the village and six others as well as two soldiers and carted away soldiers’ arms.
“One of the soldiers was seriously wounded. They went back to the part of Agatu land that they are occupying; villages like Ogwumogbo, Ejuma, Akile, Okpogbolo, Okpiye, Echije.
It was on Sunday that the people returned home after soldiers assured them of safety, then they were killed on Tuesday.
The affected village had long been deserted following the bandits invasion.
They would attack and run back to the villages they are occupying.”

Where Did The Attackers Come From?

Audu suspects that the attackers came from Nasarawa and Kogi states.

Also Read: Bandits Threaten Niger Residents To Vacate Estate Or Get Killed

He is suspicious because they have maintained a presence in the area, terrorising local communities.

He noted that while the soldiers had been instrumental in curbing past attacks, the situation remains dire.

When contacted, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Catherine Anene said she had not yet received a detailed report of the attack.