Fresh Benue Crisis claimed the lives of 15 People

In the early hours of Sunday, 15 people were killed at Ogwule-Ankpa in Agatu, Benue State by suspected Fulani marauders who invaded the area. The attack was coming four days after gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen killed 21 natives of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of neighboring Plateau State.

Governor Gabriel Suswam expressed disappointment at the renewed invasion of 21 communities’ inspite of peace moves by the state government to end the ugly trend.

According to sources, many of the victims were murdered in their sleep between 4a.m and 5a.m when the gunmen stormed the villages.

Another source said the gunmen also invaded a mosque, killing four persons, with several others sustaining gunshot injuries. Houses and households items worth millions of naira were not spared also during the attack.

Governor Suswam, Chief Stephen Lawani, his deputy and Security Chiefs in the state were in Agatu on Sunday on sympathy visit to the affected communities and to inspect the extent of destruction.

Speaking at the Catholic Church, Oshigbudu, following his visit to Enogaje, one of the communities, attacked by the marauders during previous onslaughts, the Governor lamented the incessant attacks on Benue people and urged the people to be security conscious and report suspicious movements to relevant security agencies.