Armed invaders kill two soldiers, village head, six others in Benue

Tragedy struck in Egwuma, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, as armed invaders killed two soldiers, a village head, and six residents in a brutal attack on Tuesday.

The incident, which took place around 5 pm, has left the community in shock and mourning.

According to Daily Trust correspondent who spoke with a local sources, the attackers not only killed the soldiers but also stole their weapons, including a gun, and left one soldier seriously injured.

The assault targeted residents in their homes, causing widespread panic.

Sule Audu, a former member of the State House of Assembly representing Agatu constituency, confirmed the attack and reported that nine people, including the two soldiers, the head of Egwuma, and six villagers, lost their lives during the invasion.

“The incident happened between 4 pm and 5 pm. The bandits attacked Egwuma through the Akile axis, bypassing the main road where soldiers were stationed. They opened fire on residents, killing the clan head and others. Two soldiers were also killed, and their arms were taken,” Audu explained.

He further revealed that the attackers, who have occupied parts of Agatu, came from Nasarawa and Kogi states.

The affected villages include Ogwumogbo, Ejuma, Akile, Okpogbolo, Okpiye, and Echije, all of which had been previously deserted due to repeated invasions.

Residents had only recently returned home after assurances of safety from the military, but the Tuesday attack has left the community devastated.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, stated that she had not yet received a report on the attack, and the Nigerian Army has also not issued an official statement at the time of this report.