No fewer than five people were killed in renewed attacks by suspected herders on some communities in Otukpo and Agatu Local Government Areas of Benue State.

The attacks were carried out separately at Atakpa and Ogbaulu communities in Agatu LGA where four persons were reportedly killed and several women raped.

It was also gathered that another attack was launched by herders on the Iwili community of Otukpo LGA on Thursday where one person was killed.

Chairman of Agatu LGA, Joseph Ngbede, who confirmed the attack said that the suspected herders shot randomly at Atakpa by 5pm on Thursday and their mission was unknown.

He said that the youth leader from Atakpa was missing as police was still searching. He added that there was a threat to Ogbalu near Atakpa, the village.

“As of now four people were killed, one is missing and another one was injured,” Ngbede said.

The State Secretary of Miyeitti Alla Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ibrahim Galma, said a meeting was ongoing over the crisis.

When contacted, the spokesperson for Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack in Agatu but said details of the report have not been received.

“Agatu incident is confirmed but the detailed report has not been sent yet,” Anene said. (The PUNCH)

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