Tragedy As Policeman, 8 Others Killed in Fresh Benue Attack

• A police officer and eight other people have been killed in a renewed attack by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Benue state
• It was reported that the attackers invaded Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, Olegagbani, and Ikpele, communities
• The chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the three-day attacks but the state police command is yet to release an official statement regarding the development

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Nine persons, including a police officer, have been killed in a renewed attack by suspected herders in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue state.

A source confirmed this incident to Channels Television and revealed that the attackers invaded Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, Olegagbani, and Ikpele, all four communities along the border with Kogi state and were seen last weekend in the area attacking the communities up to Tuesday, August 5.

He said:

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“Monday, the armed herders invaded Olegagbani, where they killed one person; today, the same armed herders attacked Ikpele, where they killed one police officer and four people. As we speak, people are fleeing their homes.”

Also, the chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the three-day attacks.

Ejeh said:

“I can confirm to you that four people were killed in Okwitanobe, Okpokpolo, and Olegugbani while five people, including a police officer, were killed in Ikpele today.”

The chairman, who lauded security operatives in the council for their response to contain the attacks, however, noted that the terrain, which is unmotorable, poses a serious challenge to the security operatives in the discharge of their duties.

As of the time of filling this report, the Benue state police command public relations officer, Udeme Edet, is yet to release an official statement regarding the attack.

Benue governor dissolves cabinet

In another development in Benue state, Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Hyacinth Alia dissolved the state executive council and directed all commissioners who came on board with him to hand over.

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In a twist, Governor Hyacinth Alia appointed the former Attorney General of the state and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Moses Atagher as the new Chief of Staff.

Sir Tersoo Kula, the chief press secretary to the governor, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, July 30, and shared further details.

Benue governor Alia reacts to killings

Elsewhere, Legit.ng reported that Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue on Sunday, June 15, condemned "in strong terms" the attacks and massacre of innocent citizens at Yelewata by suspected criminal herders.

According to a statement by Tersoo Kula, Alia's chief press secretary (CPS), the governor asserted that nothing should warrant the taking of life.

Read more about Benue attacks here:

• Governor Alia calls for state policing, anti-open grazing to tackle insurgency
• Tinubu issues fresh directives over Benue, Plateau killings, "Enough is enough"

Benue killing: Remi Tinubu donates N1bn

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, donated N1 billion to support families displaced by a suspected herders' attack in Benue State's Yelewata community.

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Remi Tinubu consoled families affected by the attack, which claimed over 100 lives in June, and promises support to help them rebuild their lives.

Source: Legit.ng