At least nine people have been reportedly killed following a deadly attack in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, intensifying fresh concerns over insecurity in the region.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening in Ankpali Edikwu ward, where suspected armed herdsmen allegedly stormed the community and opened fire on residents.
A community leader, Bernard Ekah, revealed that the attackers shot indiscriminately, leaving multiple casualties in their wake. He said the assault forced many residents to flee their homes out of fear of further violence.
Ekah described the attack as unprovoked and deeply troubling. He added that the same community suffered a similar assault last year and is still dealing with its aftermath.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, condemned the incident in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula. However, the governor did not confirm the number of casualties.
He directed security agencies to launch immediate operations to dismantle criminal camps reportedly located in forest areas across Apa, Otukpo, Gwer-West, and other affected parts of the state.
According to the statement, these groups have been using forested areas as operational bases to carry out attacks and must be removed without delay.
The latest violence adds to a growing list of deadly incidents in Benue State. It follows a recent Easter attack in Mbalom community, Gwer East Local Government Area, which also resulted in multiple deaths.
The Benue State Police Command acknowledged ongoing security challenges in several parts of the state, including Apa, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Gwer East, and Guma LGAs. However, the police did not confirm the specific Sunday attack.
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet stated that security forces have intensified operations across vulnerable areas. These efforts include deploying tactical teams, conducting clearance operations, and increasing patrols in affected communities.
The command noted that these actions have led to the recovery of weapons and disruption of criminal activities.
Authorities also warned against the spread of misinformation, urging residents to rely on verified sources for updates.
In addition, the police issued a strong warning against cattle rustling and related activities. They stated that individuals involved in such crimes or benefiting from stolen livestock would be treated as collaborators in banditry and prosecuted accordingly.
As tensions rise, residents continue to call for stronger security presence to prevent further attacks and restore normalcy in the state.
Be the first to comment