Deadly Attack in Egwuma Community Leaves Six People Dead, Including Two Soldiers
A devastating attack carried out by suspected armed herders in Egwuma community, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, has left six people dead, including two soldiers. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving residents in a state of panic.
According to a local resident, identified only as Anthony, the gunmen stormed the community around 5 pm, unleashing terror on the residents. “They came in and started shooting sporadically. We were all running around, trying to escape. It was a very terrifying experience,” Anthony said.
The Caretaker Chairman of Agatu LGA, Philip Ebenyakwu, confirmed the incident, stating that six people, including two soldiers, were killed in the attack. “Yes, there was a serious attack in Egwuma yesterday (Tuesday), and we lost about six lives, including two soldiers,” Ebenyakwu said.
Ebenyakwu explained that the gunmen, believed to have come from Kogi State, took the soldiers by surprise as they crossed into the community. “The incident happened around 5 pm. They crossed in from Kogi State, took the soldiers by surprise, and began shooting sporadically. They killed six people, including two soldiers, took their guns, and fled. We also have other casualties,” he stated.
The Chairman assured that security forces are being mobilized to the area to address the situation. “We have contacted security agencies, and the soldiers are mobilizing. The Navy, Air Force Commandant, Commissioner of Police, and Chief Security Aides to the Benue State Governor are working to address the situation,” Ebenyakwu said.
However, officials from the Benue State Police and the Security Adviser to the Benue State Governor declined to comment on the incident, citing that they were still gathering information.
The Public Relations Officer of the 401 Special Forces Brigade, Makurdi, Captain Abdullahi Osabo, said he could not immediately confirm whether the brigade had troops in Agatu but promised to investigate and revert. However, as of the time of filing this report, he had yet to provide an update.
The deadly attack has left the Egwuma community in shock, with residents still reeling from the trauma of the incident. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing the country, particularly in the north-central region.
