Egwuma and Ogbai communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State were thrown into chaos on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, when suspected armed herdsmen attacked the villages, killing four people and leaving at least two others missing.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local communities, which rely heavily on farming as their primary source of livelihood.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants stormed the villages without warning, targeting villagers who were working on their farms.
A resident of Egwuma, who identified himself as Inalegwu, recounted the terrifying ordeal to Punch. “Some herdsmen attacked Egwuma and Ogbai communities today.
“They killed a woman and her son who were working on their farm, and two others were killed in neighbouring Ogbai community.
“As I speak to you now, two people are still missing, and we are searching for them,” he said.
The Agatu Local Government Area Chairman, Melvin James, confirmed the attack and condemned it as “senseless and barbaric.”
He expressed deep concern over the brutality of the killings.
“This is an unprovoked attack on our people. How could anyone attack and kill a mother and her son while they were tending to their farm?
“The other two victims were killed in Ogbai, a neighbouring community,” he said.
While praising the efforts of security personnel in the area, James explained that the attack occurred when the officers were conducting surveillance in other villages.
“The security forces in Agatu have been working tirelessly to maintain peace, but the challenges posed by poor road networks limit their mobility.
“Unfortunately, when this incident happened, the security men were attending to other areas,” he added.
In response to the attack, residents of Egwuma and Ogbai have mobilized to search for the missing individuals, while local authorities have called for urgent reinforcement of security measures to protect vulnerable communities.
Community leaders have also appealed to state and federal security agencies to step up patrols and prevent further attacks on farming settlements.
The incident highlights the persistent security challenges in Benue State, particularly in rural areas where farmers are increasingly exposed to violent attacks, leading to loss of lives and disruption of agricultural activities.