Armed Fulani herdsmen have unleashed chaos in Benue State, forcefully sacking and occupying over 10 villages in the Agatu Local Government Area.
The assailants, launching renewed attacks from neighboring Nasarawa State, have created a humanitarian crisis as residents flee their homes, with some living as refugees within their own state.
Mr. Godwin Edoh, the lawmaker representing Agatu State Constituency, urgently sounded the alarm in Makurdi, disclosing the severity of the situation.
He lamented the plight of his constituents, who now live in fear and desperation, and called upon President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia to intervene promptly and halt the ongoing carnage perpetrated by the armed herdsmen.
Enumerating the ravaged villages, Edoh stated, “Ejima Gega, Ejima Geche, Ogbumogbo, Okpokpolo, and Ikpelle, Gefu—all in Agatu West. While Ugboju Gube, Ocholonya villages have been sacked in Agatu North.”
Security concerns prevented the lawmaker from accessing some of the villages, highlighting the dangerous occupation by the armed herdsmen.
Edoh conveyed the security personnel’s warning, stating, “I can only reach Ikpelle in Agatu West this morning as the armed herdsmen have occupied the other villages, so it is not safe for me, and I can also reach Okokolo in Agatu North.”
The displaced residents have scattered, seeking refuge in various villages with relatives, prompting an urgent call for humanitarian intervention to provide essential support and relief for the victims of these ruthless attacks.
The situation remains dire, with displaced persons in Agatu facing urgent needs for shelter, sustenance, and safety.
