Fresh violence in Benue: Two Agatu youths killed, some missing in clash with suspected herders

By Johnson Arua

At least two youths have been killed in a confrontation between local vigilantes and suspected armed herdsmen in Atakpa community, Agatu Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State.

Sources within the community said the incident occurred on Monday when a group of Agatu youths moved to the boundary between Agatu and neighbouring Apa LGA to block possible incursion by attackers following recent violence in Apa communities.

The source said the development was triggered by outrage over weekend attacks on Ikobi, Adija, and Edikwu-Ankpali in Apa LGA, where several people were reportedly killed, while many others were injured or declared missing.

“Concerned about the possibility of the attackers crossing into Agatu due to the shared border, some youths took it upon themselves to secure the area,” the source explained.

“They positioned themselves at the boundary, armed with dane guns, to prevent the herders from entering Agatu. Unfortunately, they ran into a group of armed herdsmen carrying automatic weapons, which led to a gun battle.”

According to the source, the exchange resulted in the death of two of the youths, while several others sustained injuries. Some are still missing as of the time of filing this report.

“They were warned not to embark on the mission, but they were determined to defend their communities and also search for those missing after Sunday’s attack. Sadly, they were outgunned,” the source added.

The latest violence has reportedly forced residents living along the affected corridor to flee their homes for safety amid fears of further attacks.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Melvin Ejeh, said he had not yet received a detailed briefing on the incident.

Also, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was not aware of the clash at the time of this report.