BREAKING: Herdsmen vs soldiers at Agatu, officer kidnapped

– Men of the Nigerian army at Agatu have been engaged by Fulani herdsmen – A policeman has been kidnapped in the process – There is an ongoing search for the abducted policeman – A youth has also been reported missing following the attack


Reports suggest that Fulani herdsmen have engaged a joint team of the Nigerian army and mobile police force personnel in Agatu, Benue state in a gun duel, kidnapping a police man in a process. According to Daily Post, the police officer, Corporal Ebiakpo Akparakazi, was reported missing during the attack.

The Benue state police spokesman, ASP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident, said that search teams have been sent out to find the missing officer. There are reports that another youth, Inalegwu Chele, was also reported missing during the attack. It was gathered that the herdsmen opened fire on the security team who were on their way to investigate an alleged killing of two youths, after receiving a distress call. Counter reports however states that the two youths who were allegedly shot by the herdsmen were rescued, and are now receiving treatment. It will be recalled that about 92 Fulani herdsmen were recently arrested in Abuja by soldiers of the Guards Brigade of the Nigeria Army. According to the assistant director, army public relations of the Guards Brigade, Captain Bashir Jajira, 36 of the suspects were arrested by the troops at a military checkpoint between the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa state. The suspected herdsmen were said to have told the soldiers that they were on a mission to recover their stolen cows. Meanwhile, a group under the aegis of Anioma Security Watch Network paralyzed commercial activities in Asaba, the Delta state capital on Tuesday, April 19, in protests of what they tagged killings and kidnappings of its citizens by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The protesters, displaying placards with various inscriptions, called on the state governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to provide another place for the “visitors.” “Killing and kidnapping must stop in Delta state by these Fulani Herdsmen. If they must stay, the state government must provide a place for them,” one of the placards read.