“Tragedy in Benue: Two Soldiers and Village Head Among Those Killed in Fresh Attack”

Babatunji Wusu –

– Attackers killed two soldiers, a village head, and six residents in Egwuma, Benue State.
– The incident occurred around 5 p.m. and involved the seizure of soldiers’ weapons.
– Former Assembly member Sule Audu confirmed the details and expressed concern over the ongoing insecurity.
– The attackers are believed to have come from Nasarawa and Kogi states, maintaining a presence in the region.
– The Benue State Police have not yet provided a detailed report on the incident.

Armed attackers tragically killed two soldiers, a village head, and six residents in the Egwuma community of Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State, on Tuesday evening. The assault, which began around 5 p.m., left the village deeply shaken. Local sources reported that the assailants also seized weapons from the slain soldiers and seriously injured another.

Sule Audu, a former member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Agatu constituency, confirmed the incident during a phone interview with *Daily Trust*. He stated that a total of nine individuals, including the two soldiers and the village head, were killed during the attack. Audu elaborated that the bandits targeted Egwuma via the Akile axis, deliberately avoiding roads where soldiers were stationed. They opened fire on residents in their homes, resulting in the deaths of the village chief and six others.

Audu further explained, “The attack occurred between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesday. After the assault, the bandits retreated to areas of Agatu they occupy, such as Ogwumogbo, Ejuma, Akile, Okpogbolo, Okpiye, and Echije. It was only on Sunday that residents returned home, reassured by soldiers about their safety, only to face this tragedy two days later.” He noted that the affected village had previously been deserted due to persistent bandit invasions.

Audu suggested that the attackers likely originated from Nasarawa and Kogi states, where they have established a presence, terrorizing local communities. Despite the soldiers’ efforts in curbing previous attacks, he indicated that the security situation remains critical.

When contacted, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Catherine Anene stated that she had not yet received a detailed report regarding the attack.