At least nine people, including a police officer, have been murdered in a series of attacks by suspected armed men on communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attacks began last Friday and continued until Tuesday, hitting several villages such as Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, Olegagbani, and Ikpele.

Residents say the attackers usually cross over from neighbouring Kogi State, carry out the attacks, and then flee back across the border.

A resident of Agatu, who gave his name as Odeny, told reporters that:

“The attacks started last Friday at Okwutanobe, where two people were killed. On Saturday they attacked Okpokpolo and killed one person.

“Yesterday, Monday, the armed herders invaded Olegagbani, where they killed one person. Today, Tuesday, the same armed herders attacked Ikpele, where they killed one police officer and four people.”

The Chairman of Agatu Local Government, James Melvin, confirmed the attacks and the number of casualties.

He said, “It’s true, I can confirm to you that four people were killed in Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo and Olegagbani, while five people, including a police officer, were killed in Ikpele today.”

Melvin believes the violence may be a form of revenge after recent complaints by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) about stolen cattle in the area.

“We totally condemn these attacks, and I think it was a reprisal for their earlier report of cattle rustling in Agatu communities,” he said.

“We are appealing to them to give the government time to investigate the alleged rustling instead of taking the law into their own hands.”

The council boss praised the efforts of security personnel but pointed out that poor road conditions are making their work more difficult.