In a distressing development from the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, three local farmers were brutally killed in an attack by suspected bandits on Friday. The incident, which took place in the Ogbaulu community, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for increased security measures.
The attack was confirmed by Yakubu Ochepo, the Chairman of Agatu, who reported that the assailants entered the area through the neighboring Apa and executed the deadly assault. Two of the victims were from Agatu, while the third was from Apa. This area, along with Otukpo and Apa, has seen a worrying increase in bandit activity recently.
A local resident, choosing to remain anonymous, described the scene, saying, "Three persons were slaughtered again by unknown gunmen on Friday on their farms in Ogbaulu community."
In response to the killings, the paramount ruler of the Idoma nation, the Och’Idoma, John Eliagwu Odogbo, voiced his deep concern over the continued violence affecting his people. Through his media aide, Onuminya Odoba, the monarch expressed his sorrow and urged local police and vigilantes to intensify their efforts to curb these attacks.
The Och’Idoma's statement highlighted the urgent need for effective law enforcement and community vigilance to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace to the region. "Agaba-Idu calls on the police and local vigilantes to nip this trend in the bud, investigate, and bring culprits to answer for the crime as humanity," the statement read.
This latest incident underscores a growing problem in parts of Benue State, where communities are increasingly vulnerable to attacks by armed groups. The local government, alongside traditional leaders, is now faced with the challenge of securing the area and ensuring the safety of its residents, emphasizing the necessity for collaboration with national security forces to address the underlying issues contributing to the instability.
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