Tragedy struck Ogbaulu community in Agatu Local Government of Benue State as suspected armed Fulani herdsmen launched a violent attack on Tuesday, May 14, resulting in the reported deaths of six individuals with one person still missing.
Reports from journalists on the ground indicated an ongoing assault at Ogbaulu community, marking another harrowing chapter in the community’s recent history marred by frequent attacks and bloodshed at the hands of armed herders over the past two weeks.
The onslaught began around 5:30 pm, as heavily armed Fulani herdsmen descended upon Ogbaulu Market, indiscriminately firing shots and wreaking havoc. Eyewitnesses, including Comrade Adole Jose Ehoda, a youth leader of Ogbaulu community, described the attackers as well-armed and arriving from various directions, notably through the roads connecting Imana and other entry points to the village.
“The herdsmen came through the road that linked Imana in Apa LGA with our community with the intention of overrunning our village,” Adole lamented, detailing the devastation that ensued. “We have recovered six bodies and more are still missing. They also destroyed many shops, stole foodstuffs and carted away motorcycles.”
Expressing outrage over the incessant assaults, Barr Napoleon Otache, a native of the community, condemned the repeated attacks and killings, not only in Ogbaulu but also in other vulnerable communities across Agatu and neighboring LGAs. He criticized the sluggish response of security agencies and urged the Federal Government to intervene decisively to halt the ongoing bloodshed in Benue State.
Reacting to the latest attack, Hon. Yakubu Ochohepo, the Caretaker Chairman of Agatu LGA, voiced his indignation, asserting that the perpetrators’ days were numbered. He pledged swift action to address the heightened insecurity, offering reassurance to the beleaguered residents of Agatu Local Council that measures were being taken to bring an end to the renewed wave of violence.
