Gunmen suspected to be armed herders unleashed a fresh wave of violence on Sunday, setting ablaze 23 houses in the Egwuma community of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State.
According to The PUNCH, the Chairman of the Local Government, Philip Ebenyakwu, revealed the incident on Monday, noting that three individuals with gunshot injuries are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital.
Ebenyakwu explained that the Agatu West region has been a frequent target of attacks by armed herders, who allegedly infiltrate from neighboring Kogi State.
The area’s geographical proximity to Kogi State, coupled with its porous boundary, has left it vulnerable to repeated invasions.
“The area shares a boundary with Kogi State and is always vulnerable to attacks,” Ebenyakwu stated.
He further detailed the recent assault, saying, “Yesterday (Sunday), the armed herders attacked a community in the area, particularly Egwuma, where they burnt 23 houses and took away three motorcycles.”
Despite the severity of the attack, there were no fatalities reported, but the chairman confirmed that “three villagers with gunshot wounds are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.”
The council boss expressed his appreciation for the security personnel deployed in the local government, highlighting their efforts to protect the community.
Notably, naval officers took decisive action on Saturday, seizing a machine boat used by invaders who had previously launched attacks from Nasarawa State.
This intervention, according to Ebenyakwu, reflects a growing commitment to curbing the persistent violence in the region.
Egwuma, like many other communities within Agatu, has been a recurrent target of violent raids.
Yhese attacks, often attributed to armed herders, have resulted in significant loss of property and widespread fear among the local population.
The most recent attack adds to the community’s distress, exacerbating concerns over the security situation in the region.
The situation in Agatu Local Government has drawn increasing attention, as community leaders and residents continue to call for more robust security measures.
The frequent incursions have not only displaced families but also disrupted the socio-economic activities in the area, leading to a growing sense of urgency for a lasting solution.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this latest attack, the need for enhanced security and effective border management remains critical to preventing future incidents.
The ongoing violence underscores the challenges faced by local authorities in securing their communities against the backdrop of rising tensions between herders and local populations in the region.
