At least 15 traders were killed in a violent attack by gunmen in the Ogwumogbo and Okpo’okpolo communities of Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State, on Saturday evening.
The victims were ambushed while returning from Oweto market, a popular trading hub in the area. Several others were reportedly injured during the assault.
John Ikwulono, a former Vice Chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed that five of the victims were killed near a stream called Abekoko, located between Ogbayi and Ogwumogbo. Among those killed was a man named Ali from Ogwumogbo, while the identities of the others remain unknown.
Melvin James, the current Chairman of Agatu LGA, attended the burial service for some of the victims on Sunday. An aide to the chairman, who requested anonymity, alleged that armed herders were responsible for the attack.
The incident has raised serious concerns about security in the region, prompting urgent calls for increased protection of residents and traders in vulnerable communities across Benue State.