About 300 suspected militants have reportedly invaded Agatu community of Benue state. According to former Senate president, Senator David Mark, who tweeted about the incident via his official Twitter handle, @SenDavidABMark an ‘army’ of militants stormed the community wreaking havoc.
Eyewitnesses also confirmed to SIGNAL on Tuesday details of the incident. According to a source who witnessed and survived the invasion, the gunmen numbering about 300 attacked the village and its environs, sacking not less than 3 villages within and around Agatu. The attacks, the source told our reporter were revenge attacks on the people of Agatu for voting overwhelmingly for Senator David Mark in the just concluded Benue South rerun election which saw Mark emerging winner, as there had been threats prior to the election warning the Agatu community against voting for Senator David Mark.
“The situation here is like a war zone. They are killing and shooting people. Everyone is running for their dear lives. They came properly armed and even had an helicopter that was dropping supplies for them, they warned us before the election that this was going to happen” the source who pleaded anonymity disclosed.
It was not exactly clear the identity of the invaders but other reports say they may be Fulani herdsmen who have been involved in attacks on the same community recently.
Meanwhile, as news of the attack broke on Tuesday, former Senate President Senator David Mark who is the senator representing the zone condemned the attacks and called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to intervene.
In a set of tweets on Tuesday, he described the attacks as “worrisome.”
I have just received reports of an ongoing attack on the people of Agatu by an ‘army’ of over 300 militants. – SDM
— Senator David Mark (@SenDavidABMark) February 23, 2016
The unprovoked attacks on the people of Agatu fueled by political interests from outside Idoma land is worrisome and condemnable. – SDM
— Senator David Mark (@SenDavidABMark) February 23, 2016
I call on the Federal Government and all relevant security agencies to immediately intervene in the ongoing attacks on Agatu. – SDM
— Senator David Mark (@SenDavidABMark) February 23, 2016
No official death toll has been recorded as Nigerian security agents are yet to officially comment on the attacks. But informed sources say scores may have been killed in the wake of the carnage.
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