Benue Crisis: Three killed as fresh crisis hits Agatu community

Three persons have been feared killed in internal crisis that broke out at Ogbai community in Agatu Local Government Area of the state Monday morning.

Among the victims, our reporter learnt was one Mr. Aboje Otene, otherwise known as Philosopher, a youth leader in Agatu community.

An insider hinted our reporter that problem started during the weekend when Otene led some youths to Ogbai after some Fulani herdsmen had reported to him about their cows that were allegedly slaughtered in the community by their youths.

The source said that, “When the chairman went there to ask them why they killed Fulani cows without reporting to him, they allegedly got angry and started beating him.

“He came back home with the promise to go back to Ogbai the following morning for the resolution of the problem. However, when he got there with just few of his men, the people of Ogbai had already set up a gang and immediately they saw him and his men they started firing at them.

“Otene never commanded his men to fire back because the bullet did not penetrate into their bodies, so he went into their midst, trying to calm them down but they grabbed and killed him and three others on the spot.”

The development has since forced many residents of the area to vacate their home for fear of possible reprisal from the other community.

When contacted, however, the Benue State police PRO, Moses Yamu said the command has not being briefed on the incident.