Gunmen ‘kill 6 Benue IDPs’ returning from farms

Gunmen have reportedly killed six Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who were returning from their farms in separate incidents in rural communities of three local government areas in Benue State.

Our correspondent learnt that while three displaced persons from the Agagbe IDP Camp in Gwer West LGA were killed on Monday in a renewed attack by gunmen while returning from their farms, two others were killed in neighbouring Agatu LGA and the remaining one killed in Apa LGA.

It was gathered that the deceased had, in an effort to combat prevalent hunger among displaced persons living in camps across the state, gone into farming to feed their families.

A former camp manager in Agagbe, Terna Jacob, informed our correspondent that the victims from Gwer West were attacked on their way back from the farm.

He identified the deceased as Ameeya Solomon, 38, of Tse Kuan in Mbabuande council ward; Adagu Terwase, 40, of Tse Abua in Mbapa council ward; and Master Orkaha Terkende, 16, of Tse Maihwa in Mbabuande council ward of Gwer West LGA.

“They were killed on the road near Agagbe town, where they intended to sleep since their homes had been burnt down.

“One of the survivors of the attack, Orkaha Terfa recounted that they were ambushed close to the NKST Church at Tse Nyamti as they were returning from their farm,” he said.

Jacob further narrated that the three victims were killed as they tried to run back, while others who fled in different directions escaped, adding that two of the deceased had been buried, while the remains of the third person had been deposited at a morgue in Agagbe.

In a related incident, on June 18, 2024, gunmen reportedly attacked Ikobi community of Apa LGA, killing a young boy on his farm.

It was learnt the assailants also on June 30, 2024, attacked Olegomachi in Agatu LGA, killing two people and injuring three others.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue Command, SP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to receive the reports.