Seven Killed, Houses Burned in Bandit Attack on Benue Community

Seven persons were killed and over 150 houses razed in a fresh bandit attack on Aila village in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Adagole G’ Alia Agatu, Chief Dauda Ikwulono, said the community came under attack on Sunday, leading to the killing of seven persons and razing of 150 houses.

According to him, the attack was carried out jointly by militia from Egba, Abugbe, Omikwidi, Akwu and Ogbaulu communities.

Report gathered that residents were in their various houses in the evening when the attackers invaded the community.

Chief Ikwulono while addressing the press on Thursday stated that the leaders of the community had earlier informed the public including the Governor of Benue State about planned attacks on Aiia, Odejo and Okokolo villages where some of their people are resident, but nothing was done until the attacks were carried out.

He called on security agencies and Governor Hyacinth Alia to come to the aide of Aila people, saying those who attacked them on Sunday are militia groups from Egba, Abugbe, Omikwidi, Akwu and Ogbaulu who equally hired militia from Ogbadibo, Fulani herdsmen and some persons from Igala land who came in their numbers.

Those killed in the attacks include Corporal Augustine Adikwu (rtd) 94, his wife, Mrs Lucy Augustine Adikwu, 90, Mr Samuel Jack Oyegwa, 52, and Mr Anthony Eigege (Dubic) 57.

Others are Mrs Ojobi Abu, 45, Mr Ibrahim Adeyi, 67, and Mrs Enegbudu Ekitikpi Edor.