In a grim development that has sent shockwaves through the Agagbe camps in the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, three displaced individuals have tragically lost their lives on their farms, allegedly at the hands of suspected herders.

The victims have been identified as Ortom Chiater, aged 25, hailing from Tse-Ugber in the Mbachohon council ward; Targule Sechivir, aged 30, from Tse-Jabi, Sengev council; and Kusa Amos, aged approximately 50, from Tse-Utor, Mbachohon council ward.

These unfortunate souls had been forced to flee their homes in the wake of separate attacks by suspected herders in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, and had sought refuge in the Agagbe camps.

The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, when the victims were reportedly attacked and killed while tending to their farms. Terna Jacob, the camp chairman, confirmed the heart-wrenching news, revealing that the lifeless bodies of the victims were discovered in their fields after hours of anxious waiting for their return to the safety of the camp.

Mr. Jacob provided further details, stating, “Ortom Chiater fell victim to armed herders on his farm yesterday (Wednesday) and was tragically killed. His remains were found and given a solemn burial. It is worth noting that he had previously been displaced by the same group on July 5, 2022. Ortom Chiater, aged 25, along with his family, had been residing at IDP camp, Agagbe, in block 3, room 2 RCM.”

He continued, “Similarly, Mr. Targule Sechivir, a resident of Tse-Jabi in Sengev council, met a tragic end on his farm yesterday, falling victim to Fulani militia. His lifeless body was discovered and laid to rest. Targule had previously been displaced by the same group on July 30, 2020. He, along with his family, had been seeking refuge at the IDP camp, Agagbe, residing in block 6 room. He was 30 years old.”

Another victim, Mr. Kusa Amos, suffered a similar fate on his farm when he was allegedly killed by Fulani militias. Mr. Amos hailed from the Mbachohon council ward, Tse-Utoh, and had been displaced by the same herders on July 20, 2021. He, too, had sought shelter at the IDP camp in Agagbe, staying in block 1, room 2. He was approximately 50 years old.

In response to these distressing developments, our attempts to seek information and comment from the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, were met with a response stating, “I don’t have this information, please.”

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by displaced persons in the region, further underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive measures to ensure their safety and well-being.