Four people have been killed in an ambush attack by suspected armed herdsmen in Benue State. The incident occurred in Aila Odugheho, Agatu Local Government Area, on Sunday morning, May 3, 2026.
Details of the Attack
The victims were reportedly walking along the Aila Odugheho road to a nearby village when they were ambushed. A resident, Danny Uloko, identified the deceased as Ochefije Elijah Ojema, Igojuju Husaini, Odiya Ochowehi, and Ochoyoda Adejo. Uloko stated that the suspected Fulani herders ambushed and killed them as they traveled to the community.
Security Response
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the attack and noted that armed herdsmen have resorted to ambush tactics due to increased security presence in the area. He said the Divisional Police Officer, local vigilantes, and other security agencies are conducting clearance operations in the region. Ejeh explained that robust security strategies have made it difficult for attackers to overrun communities, forcing them to use ambushes, which are more complex to confront. He assured that clearance operations are ongoing to rid the community forest of bandits.
Police Confirmation Pending
The state police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, stated that efforts to reach the Agatu Divisional Police Officer were unsuccessful. She added that she had not yet received a report about the deadly attack. Edet said, 'I am yet to get the report because I have not been able to reach the DPO in Agatu.'
Previous Attacks in Benue
This attack follows a similar incident where at least nine people were killed in a coordinated assault by armed herdsmen in the Agena community. During that pre-dawn attack, community markets and homes were destroyed, and several residents remain missing. Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the violence and warned against ongoing patterns of attacks in the north-central state.
In another recent incident, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen killed 13 people in the Mbaikyor market attack in Benue State. Several market women were kidnapped, and the market was set ablaze. Local government and security forces have mobilized to restore calm after that devastating event.
Broader Context
These attacks are part of a worrying trend of violence in Benue State, which has seen multiple incidents involving armed herdsmen. The state government and security agencies continue to work on strategies to protect communities and prevent further bloodshed. The use of ambush tactics indicates an adaptation by attackers to counter increased security measures, posing new challenges for law enforcement.
