Benue State reels from yet another tragic incident as the Ugboju community in the Agatu Local Government Area becomes the scene of a devastating attack, leaving numerous casualties feared dead and others missing.

The unfolding events have triggered conflicting reports regarding the extent of the violence engulfing the North-Central state.

According to a report on The Punch, in the aftermath of the assault, a local resident identified as Oche shared with journalists via phone that the morning following the attack, 15 bodies were discovered, underscoring the harrowing toll exacted on the community.

He further lamented the unsettling number of individuals, including children, who remain unaccounted for amidst the chaos.

Initial reports indicated that nine lives were lost during the fresh bout of violence that gripped Benue on Wednesday night, allegedly perpetrated by suspected herdsmen.

This latest onslaught follows closely on the heels of another violent incident on January 28, 2024, when gunmen, believed to be herdsmen, unleashed terror across multiple communities within the Agatu Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of eight people.

Just weeks prior, the same locality bore witness to a deadly assault, claiming the lives of four individuals, including two soldiers, in an attack attributed to armed herders.

Former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mike Inalegwu, voiced profound concern over the tragedy, shedding light on the dire circumstances surrounding the assault. He remarked, “The incident happened in the evening yesterday (Wednesday) when people were engaging in social activities. The armed herders surrounded the Ugboju community from different places and attacked the people.”

Similarly, Member of the House of Assembly representing Agatu State Constituency, Godwin Edoh, decried the attack, lamenting the lack of response from governmental and security entities.

He condemned the persistent violence inflicted upon innocent communities, stressing, “What have my people done to this government in the state and at the federal level?”

As community leaders grapple with the grim aftermath, concerns over security loom large.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene said “Let’s wait for the DPO, I will confirm from him. As we speak, there are so many police teams in Agatu who were deployed there.”

Amidst escalating tensions, Governor Hyacinth Alia’s earlier plea for increased military presence underscores the gravity of the crisis plaguing Benue State.

The humanitarian crisis has drawn international attention, with efforts underway to address the pressing needs of over 1.5 million displaced individuals lacking access to essential resources amidst ongoing strife.