Two Farmers Killed in Benue as Military Deploys Troops to Avert Reprisal Attacks
Two farmers were gruesomely killed by suspected armed herders in Omebe village near the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, sparking fears of reprisal violence in Benue State’s volatile Agatu axis, PRNigeria learnt.
The victims, identified as Tony Adejo and Jeremiah Danjuma—both from Odugbeho Ward in Agatu Local Government Area—were reportedly attacked while working on their farms. The incident occurred in the early hours of the day, throwing the local community into mourning and heightened tension.
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According to Zagazola, police sources confirmed that the Area Commander of Otukpo responded swiftly to a distress call by deploying patrol teams and Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel to the crime scene. However, the armed assailants had already fled before the arrival of security operatives. The bodies of the deceased were recovered and transported to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where they were deposited for autopsy.
In response to intelligence reports indicating a likely reprisal attack in Camp Garba, another community in the region, troops of the Nigerian Army have been mobilized to the area. Security forces are actively engaged in confidence-building patrols and surveillance operations to forestall further violence and ensure the safety of residents.
Military sources affirmed that adequate measures are being taken to prevent any escalation of conflict, emphasizing the need for calm while investigations and security operations continue.
The dual incidents highlight the persistent security challenges in Benue State, especially in rural communities vulnerable to attacks by armed herders.
By PRNigeria
