Once more, unidentified gunmen have perpetrated an attack resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals, including a pregnant woman, in Ole’Adag’aklo village situated in Usha Council Ward of Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
According to eyewitnesses in the area, the assailants invaded the village on Sunday evening, wreaking havoc on the residents and causing the fatalities mentioned, with some individuals also being abducted.
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Yakubu Ochepo, corroborated the tragic incident when speaking to journalists on Monday. He stated, “Eleven people were killed, with seven bodies already recovered. Among the deceased are a pregnant woman, an elderly man, and five young individuals. Soldiers were dispatched to retrieve the remaining four bodies. Upon their arrival, there were exchanges of gunfire, prompting the armed assailants to flee initially, only to regroup later. I am currently in Makurdi to report the situation to Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), as we require additional support. Additionally, there are reports of individuals being taken captive and some being thrown into the river.”
However, when contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, SP Catherine Anene, stated that she had not yet been briefed on the incident.