By Opeyemi Adelakun
Several residents are feared dead and about 30 others have been declared missing following a fresh attack by suspected armed herders on Agadagba community in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The latest violence reportedly occurred on Saturday evening, hours after gunmen had attacked nearby Ochobo community, where two people were killed.
Residents said the attackers had initially attempted to invade Agadagba but were forced to retreat after locals resisted the assault.
However, the assailants reportedly regrouped and returned later in the day with heavier firepower, unleashing gunfire on the community and forcing residents to flee for safety.
A resident, who spoke from a hiding place, said the attackers caught villagers off guard, leaving many people dead while several others escaped into nearby bushes.
“They came shooting sporadically. Many people were killed, while several others escaped into the bush. As I speak with you, about 30 people are still missing, and we don’t know whether they are alive or dead,” the resident said.
The full extent of the casualties could not be immediately confirmed as search efforts were still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
The latest incident adds to the growing wave of violent attacks that have continued to affect communities across Benue State, with residents repeatedly calling for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.
Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the attack as of press time, while efforts to ascertain the exact number of casualties and the fate of those missing were continuing.
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