Men of the Nigerian Army have reportedly sacked six villages in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, killing six persons, including a heavily pregnant woman.
This attack was followed by the alleged killing of a soldier at the weekend by some youths believed to be natives of Agatu.
According to residents of the area, six villages — Olegadakolo, Ikpele, Otugologwu, Iwali, Okpanchenyi and Egba — were sacked by the soldiers.
At Egba community, sources told Punch that a pregnant woman was hit by a stray bullet, adding that the six villages had been deserted.
“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, who pleaded anonymity said.
Reacting to the development, the Sole Administrator of Agatu LGA, Mr. Mike Inalegwu, denied the killing of people in Agatu communities but admitted the invasion of military personnel.
“There is no iota of truth in that; no one was killed, the military were only on the mission to recover their arms and ammunition,” he said.
Also reasting, the Brigade Commander of the 707 Special Force, Brig. Clement Apere, denied that soldiers attacked the people.
“The operation we conducted in the area was carried out in a professional way,” he said.
Apere said only one person was arrested.
Also speaking with DAILY POST on Wednesday, Benue State Police PRO, Moses Yamu said he was not yet aware of the report.
“I only heard that the community attacked and killed one soldier. I have not heard about soldiers attacking the community. Maybe you can contact the military,” he said.
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