“Suspected Herdsmen Kill Four in Early Morning Attack on Agatu Community

Four persons have been confirmed dead after suspected armed herdsmen launched an early morning attack on Aila community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack reportedly took place around 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, targeting residents heading to church and leaving several others injured.

According to an eyewitness, the gunmen arrived suddenly and opened fire on villagers, creating panic as people ran for safety.

“They mindlessly attacked the community today around 7am and ambushed people who were said to be on their way to church,” the witness said, noting that some residents were injured while others remain unaccounted for.

After the assault, the attackers were said to have fled into surrounding bushes, while locals began searching for missing persons amid concerns that more casualties could be recorded.

Agatu LGA Chairman, Mr. Melvin Ejeh, who confirmed the incident, described it as a planned ambush along the Aila–Odugbeho road.

“It was an ambush by suspected armed herdsmen along the Aila–Odugbeho road,” he stated.

He explained that recent improvements in security across the area have limited large-scale attacks, pushing perpetrators to adopt hit-and-run strategies.

“Because of the robust security strategies we have put in place, it is now difficult to attack and overrun any community in Agatu,” he said.

Ejeh added that security agencies, alongside local vigilantes, have commenced operations in nearby forests to track down the attackers and maintain order.

As of press time, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comments.

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