The Agatu attacks and massacres occurred in
Agatu,
Benue State
Benue State is one of the North Central states in Nigeria with a population of about 4,253,641 in 2006 census. The state was created in 1976 among the 7 states created at that time.The state derives its name from the Benue River which is t ...
, began in late February 2016 and continued for several days into March.
Background
Agatu is in the State of Benue close to Nigeria's centre, where several different ethnic groups meet.
Possible motives and causes
It is believed that the attack was committed in retaliation for the killing of the Fulanis' cows.
Former Senate President
David Mark
David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark , is a retired Nigerian Army Brigadier General and politician. He was President of the Senate of Nigeria from 2007 to 2015 and was the Senator for Benue South Senatorial District Benue State. He is a member of th ...
also pointed out that the Benue South senatorial district were his constituents and hinted at a possible political motivation for these attacks.
Aftermath
According to the Nigerian politician
Senator David Mark, over 500 have been killed. However, this number has been disputed.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) said as reported by
Punch Nigeria newspaper that "I was around, I travelled to Benue State, I did not see where 300 people were buried."
Afterwards, several small scale attacks continued through
Benue State
Benue State is one of the North Central states in Nigeria with a population of about 4,253,641 in 2006 census. The state was created in 1976 among the 7 states created at that time.The state derives its name from the Benue River which is t ...
and central Nigeria.
Senator Mark later claimed he was fortunate to escape an ambush by suspected assailants, on a condolence visit to the area.
President Buhari and members of the Nigerian security apparatus were criticised for their handling of the situation.
2018
Tragedy struck again on 4 March 2018 in Omusu village, Ojigo ward in Edumoga,
Okpokwu
Okpokwu is a Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Okpoga located in the south of the area.
Benue State Polytechnic is located in the town of Ugbokolo in this LGA.
It has an area of 731 km and a ...
local government area of
Benue State
Benue State is one of the North Central states in Nigeria with a population of about 4,253,641 in 2006 census. The state was created in 1976 among the 7 states created at that time.The state derives its name from the Benue River which is t ...
as suspected herdsmen unleash terror of their victims leaving 26 people, including and children, dead just a day after president
Muhammad Buhari promise to visit the state.
References
{{Reflist
External links
Fulani herdsmen’s mindless Agatu killings The Punch Nigeria.
Reign Of Terror In Agatu: The Untold Story
Fulani herdsmen attacks
Massacres in 2016
2010s massacres in Nigeria
2016 in Nigeria