Nigeria: Three Killed in Benue Attacks Days After IGP's Visit

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Premium Times report, said at least three people were killed and two others wounded in attacks on Elulu and Agadagba communities in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The incidents reportedly took place between Friday and Saturday night and came about two days after Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu visited Benue and promised stronger intelligence-led operations against insecurity.

Ohimini Local Government Chairman Gabriel Adole told journalists on Sunday that suspected armed herders first attacked Elulu, killing one person, injuring another and taking a Bajaj motorcycle. He said the attackers later targeted Agadagba, where residents resisted an attempted cattle rustling, and returned the next day, killing two people. A resident identified as Ameh also told the outlet that armed attackers opened fire after youths tried to stop them from taking cattle.

Adole said community vigilantes and security personnel had been sent to the affected areas, adding that Governor Hyacinth Alia had directed additional support. Premium Times reported that the Benue police spokesperson, Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment before publication.

The attacks add to a worsening pattern of violence in rural Benue communities. Premium Times noted that eight people were reported killed on 12 July in nearby Otukpo Local Government Area, prompting youth protests and calls for urgent intervention. During Disu’s Thursday visit, he met state officials and urged residents to share reliable information with security agencies, while Alia renewed his call for state police, arguing that locally grounded officers could respond more effectively to threats.