Six Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) returning from their farms had been killed by bandits in separate attacks in rural communities of three local government areas in Benue State.
In the attacks, three IDPs from the Agagbe Camp in Gwer West LGA were killed on Monday while returning from their farms, two others were killed in neighbouring Agatu LGA and the one killed in Apa LGA.
A former camp manager in Agagbe, Terna Jacob, said the Gwer West victims were attacked while returning from the farm.
Terna said those killed are Ameeya Solomon, 38, of Tse Kuan in Mbabuande council ward; Adagu Terwase, 40, of Tse Abua in Mbapa council ward; and Master Orkaha Terkende, 16, of Tse Maihwa in Mbabuande council ward of Gwer West LGA.
“They were killed on the road near Agagbe town, where they intended to sleep since their homes had been burnt down.
“One of the survivors of the attack, Orkaha Terfa said they were ambushed close to the NKST Church at Tse Nyamti as they were returning from their farm,” he said.
He said the three victims were killed as they tried to run back, while others who fled in different directions escaped, adding that two of the deceased had been buried, while the remains of the third person had been deposited at a morgue in Agagbe.
On June 18, 2024, gunmen reportedly attacked the Ikobi community of Apa LGA, killing a young boy on his farm.
The assailants also on June 30, 2024, attacked Olegomachi in Agatu LGA, killing two people and injuring three others.
The state Police spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to be briefed on the attacks.
