Hoodlums have reportedly set ablaze 23 houses in the Egwuma community of Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State, leaving several residents with gunshot wounds.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday, is believed to have been carried out by suspected armed herders.
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Philip Ebenyakwu, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed the incident during a phone interview with journalists in Makurdi. He stated that three individuals sustained gunshot injuries during the attack, though no lives were lost. The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Ebenyakwu explained that armed herders have repeatedly invaded the Agatu West area, often crossing over from neighboring Kogi State, which shares a boundary with the affected region. “Yesterday, the armed herders attacked Egwuma, burning down 23 houses and stealing three motorcycles,” he said.
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Despite the ongoing threat, Ebenyakwu commended the efforts of security operatives deployed to the area. He mentioned that a naval officer had confiscated a machine boat from invaders who typically cross over from Nasarawa State.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Benue command, SP Catherine Anene, has yet to provide an official response regarding the incident.