Gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly killed three villagers in the Ogbaulu community of the Agatu Local Government Area of Benúe State.
A local who disclosed this on Saturday said that the victims were working on their separate farms on Friday afternoon when the bandits attacked them.
“Three persons were slaughtered again by unknown gunmen on Friday on their farms in Ogbaulu community,” the local who preferred anonymity said.
Confirming the attack, the Chairman of Agatu, Yakubu Ochepo, told journalists that the attackers came through the neighbouring Apa and hacked the victims to death.
Ochepo said, “It’s true the incident happened on Friday and the attackers came through Apa. Two of the deceased were natives of Agatu while the other victim hailed from Apa.
Otukpo, Apa, and Agatu have been among the worst hit by bandits in recent times.
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Disturbed by the incessant attacks and killings in his domain, the paramount ruler of the Idoma nation, the Och’Idoma, John Eliagwu Odogbo, condemned the recent spate of attacks within Agatu and its environs.
According to the statement by his media aide, Onuminya Odoba, the royal father expressed sadness over the three persons reportedly murdered on their farms.
The monarch noted that he was deeply disturbed by the news of the killing of persons going about their lawful activities by yet-to-be-identified assailants.
“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. Agaba-Idu assures all law-abiding persons in Idoma land of peaceful living within the kingdom, and is working round the clock with his Council of Chiefs in collaboration with government agencies to ensure people live and do businesses within our lands in peace, safety, and prosperity,” the statement read in part.
Meanwhile, efforts to get the Police Public Relations Office, Catherine Anene, to react to the latest incident in Agatu were not successful as her phone rang out.
