Bandits Kill 2 Soldiers, 7 Others In Benue

Gunmen believed to be bandits have launched a deadly assault on the Eguma community in the Agatu local government area of Benue State, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers, a village head, and six other residents.

Sule Audu, a former member of the House of Assembly who represented the Agatu constituency and currently serves as the spokesman for the North Central Peoples Forum (NCPF), spoke with our correspondent by phone, confirming that at least nine individuals lost their lives in the attack. The incident occurred between 4 PM and 5 PM on Tuesday, as the assailants invaded Egwuma from the Akile axis, opening fire on civilians in their homes.

According to Sule, the attackers killed the clan head of Egwuma and six villagers, in addition to the two soldiers, and made off with the soldiers’ weapons.

He noted, “The attackers, who came from the Nasarawa and Kogi states, besieged and took control of several communities in the Agatu local government area. However, I commend the soldiers for their proactive measures in pushing the bandits back.”

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the assault began around 5 pm on Tuesday. The attackers not only killed two soldiers but also injured another before stealing their weapons.

When reached for comment, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Catherine Anene stated that she had not yet received any reports regarding the attack in Agatu.