The rivalry between indigenes of Benue State and resident Fulani herdsmen has showed no signs of slowing down as another 15 people are feared dead following fresh attacks.

The attack was carried out early yesterday morning in the Ogwule-Ankpa area of Agatu, Benue State with some of the murdered victims reportedly being killed in their sleep.

The Governor of the state, Gabriel Suswam, lamented the development as it was a clear indication that attempts by the state government to resolve the crises had failed.

The Sun reports:

According to sources, many of the victims were murdered in their sleep between 4 am and 5 am when the gunmen stormed the villages.

Another source said the gunmen also invaded a mosque, killing four persons, with several others sustaining gun shot injuries. Houses and household items worth millions of naira were not spared also during the attack.

Governor Suswam who was accompanied by his deputy, Chief Stephen Lawani and security chiefs in the state were in Agatu yesterday on sympathy visit to the affected communities and to inspect the extent of destruction.

Speaking at the Catholic Church, Oshigbudu, following his visit to Enogaje, one of the communities, attacked by the marauders during previous onslaughts, the Governor lamented the incessant attacks on Benue people and urged the people to be security conscious and report suspicious movements to relevant security agencies.

He called on those who fled their villages in the wake of the crises to return home as adequate security will be provided for them. Suswam who also promised to provide motorcycles to facilitate easy movement of security operatives in the area, made cash donations to many of the affected communities.