Crisis in Benue: Soldiers Sack 6 Villages in Agatu, Kill Pregnant Woman, 5 Others
Just a few days after a soldier was killed in Agatu, Benue state, the Nigerian army allegedly invaded 6 villages. Residents of six villages in Benue state have reportedly deserted their dwellings after an invasion by men of the Nigerian army, Punch reports.
The villages are Olegadakolo, Ikpele, Otugologwu, Iwali, Okpanchenyi and Egba. The soldiers stormed the village shooting sporadically. In the process, a stray bullet hit a pregnant woman. Five other people were reportedly killed.
This is genocide on our people, as I’m talking to you now, six villages have been sacked, children and women have moved out of the affected villages, while many people have been arrested by the invading soldiers,” a resident of one of the villages said.
It’s believed that the soldiers attacked to avenge their colleague who was killed in the area.
The council’s administrator, Mr. Mike Inalegwu, admitted that military personnel invaded the area but denied that anyone was killed.
“The military were only on the mission to recover their arms and ammunition,” he said.
The Commander, 707 Special Forces Brigade, Brig. Gen Clement Apere, said only one person was arrested.