Ten persons have been killed in separate attacks in Agatu and Gwer East local government areas of Benue State.
While five people were killed by gunmen in different communities in Agatu LGA, another five were murdered in the Mbasombo ward of Gwer East LGA.
Locals said the attacks were carried out on Sunday in three rural communities of Agatu, a fishing area bordering Nasarawa State.
A resident of the area, who craved anonymity, said, “Yesterday, (Sunday) 28th April 2024, armed herders killed 5 people in Agatu LGA.”
Missing UniAbuja female student died in accident – Family
Missing UniAbuja female student died in accident – Family
A member representing Agatu Constituency in the state’s House of Assembly, Godwin Abu Edoh, confirmed the killings, lamenting that the worrisome situation had become a regular occurrence.
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, said she was not aware of the latest incident in Agatu.
Also, five people were killed after suspected herders clashed with members of the Anchiha Mbamar kindred in the Mbasombo Council Ward of Gwer East LGA.
The dispute, it was gathered, arose over access to the community’s only source of drinking water.
They said the herders, armed with dangerous weapons and a large herd of cows, demanded access to the natural well serving as the community’s drinking water source during the dry season.
It was learnt that when the residents refused, a physical altercation ensued, leading to the involvement of youths from the neighbouring Ikpayongo community.
Council Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Mrs Comfort Agbo, confirmed the recovery of the bodies and stated that additional searches were ongoing in the surrounding areas.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident but said one person was killed.
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