Fresh Suspected Herdsmen Attacks in Agatu and Apa, Several Killed

Suspected herdsmen launched coordinated assaults on Monday evening in Agatu and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State, reportedly killing several people, authorities say . In Agatu, one victim—identified as Sunday Dutse, younger brother of a former local government chairman—was ambushed and killed along the Odugbeho–Ogbaulu road. Dutse had previously been displaced due to earlier violence in the area .

In Apa LGA, three youths were fatally ambushed in Edikwu-G’Icho. Two of the victims were natives of that community, while the third was from nearby Ugbokpo . Eyewitnesses and local reports confirm that the attackers struck swiftly and disappeared into the night, carrying out the killings in a manner described as sudden and targeted .

These latest attacks come despite recent assurances from the Chief of Army Staff and other military leaders, who had visited the region and promised increased security presence . Critics say the swift and recurring nature of these violence outbreaks—where attackers appear and vanish overnight—points to a high level of coordination and planning .

Governor Hyacinth Alia has previously described the situation in Benue as akin to being “under siege,” indicating that recent attacks follow a disturbing pattern observed in other local councils . Security forces claim they have deployed tactical teams to the affected areas, but community members remain anxious as the cycle of violence persists with little immediate reprieve.

Share to: