Terror Strikes Agan: Deadly Herdsmen Attack Leaves Trail of Death and Despair in Makurdi

In a tragic escalation of violence, the Agan community in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, came under a horrific assault on Thursday, May 29, resulting in the deaths of several individuals and injuries to many more. The attackers, believed to be armed herdsmen, stormed the area around 6 p.m., firing indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze, leaving a once peaceful neighborhood in ruins and panic.

According to sources reported by the Daily Post, the invasion unfolded with devastating speed. Witnesses described the chaos as residents, caught off guard and unarmed, fled for their lives. The community, which lies just a few kilometers from the heart of Makurdi, was left without any immediate support from security forces, raising fresh concerns about the government’s ability to protect its citizens from persistent violence.

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Agan Under Attack: A Dark Evening of Fear and Fire

Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing tales of the attack, stating that the herdsmen fired upon anything in sight, turning the calm evening into a war zone. Entire families were separated in the frantic rush to escape, with some victims caught in the crossfire or trapped in burning homes. The number of confirmed fatalities is yet to be officially announced, but local residents estimate that dozens may have been killed or severely injured.

This brutal incident is only the latest in a disturbing pattern of violence that has plagued Benue State. Tensions between local communities and armed herders have escalated sharply in recent months, often leaving behind a trail of bloodshed and destruction.

The attack came mere days after a critical ultimatum was issued by Benue’s traditional rulers. In a rare and forceful joint declaration, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, the Tor Tiv and Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, and His Royal Majesty Chief John Elaigwu Odogbo, the Och’Idoma, demanded that all herders and suspected terrorist elements vacate the state’s farmlands within 14 days. They warned that failure to comply would result in severe consequences.

This stern warning was delivered during a Town Hall Meeting at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi, marking the second anniversary of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration. The event was organized by the Office of the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communications, led by Solomon Iorpev.

Traditional Leaders Voice Alarm Over Rising Insecurity

At the Town Hall Meeting, both monarchs expressed deep unease about the deteriorating security situation in Benue. They voiced the collective frustration and anger of their communities, denouncing the continued killings and displacement of innocent civilians. The leaders specifically called out the activities of armed militias suspected to be Fulani herders, accusing them of orchestrating repeated attacks on farming settlements.

“We are witnessing a systematic invasion of our ancestral lands,” said Tor Tiv, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse. “The people of Benue can no longer endure the pain of losing their loved ones day after day without a corresponding response from the authorities.”

Chief John Elaigwu Odogbo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the patience of the people is wearing thin. “We demand immediate action. Our communities deserve to live in peace without the constant threat of violence hanging over them.”

Their statements reflect the mounting anxiety across the state, where communities like Agan have become unwilling epicenters of conflict, despite repeated calls for intervention.

The state government has yet to issue an official response to the Agan tragedy. However, civil society organizations and local groups are demanding swift investigations and a comprehensive plan to curb the violent incursions.

As families mourn their losses and survivors try to piece their lives back together, the question remains: how many more must suffer before effective security measures are implemented in Benue State?