Two individuals lost their lives as terrorist reportedly invaded Ikpele and Okpokpolo communities in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
This incident occurred shortly after a previous attack on the same council, which resulted in the deaths of three soldiers and two others.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj. Gen. Sunday Igbinowanhia, confirmed the recent attack, revealing that the two casualties were soldiers and personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps who bravely attempted to thwart the assault in Okokolo.
Maj. Gen. Igbinowanhia stated, “The success achieved was however at a huge cost with three of the troops paying the supreme sacrifice to prevent the killing of the inhabitants of Okokolo and the intended sacking of the community.”
A source from the affected community identified, as said on Wednesday, that “another attack happened yesterday (Tuesday) night.”
READ ALSO: Fire Claims Life of 80-Year-Old Woman in Benue, 50 Homes Reduced to Ashes
”They (the terrorists) attacked Ikpele, Okpokpolo and other places yesterday night throughout and we are yet to get the exact number of people killed,” Oche told Punch.
“There was a serious battle till around 10 pm. Two bodies have so far been recovered. Many houses were burnt. In fact, within the attacked community yesterday in the night, at least 17 burnt houses were counted.”
He added that residents of the affected communities had deserted their homes.
Former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mike Inalegwu, a native of the local government, confirmed the heightened tension in the council area.
Inalegwu disclosed, “The truth is that yesterday (Tuesday) the armed herdsmen attacked Okpokpolo village and killed two persons while the villagers were thinking of their speculative attack on the Ogbai community.
“Tension is high and the seven villages in Kogi border of the local government are deserted. This is authoritative.”
While the Police Public Relations Officer in Benue State, Catherine Anene, claimed not to have received the information.
Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, confirmed the attack. However, he noted that he was not informed about any casualties.