The Nigeria Police Force in Benue State has intensified security operations following a deadly attack by suspected herdsmen on cashew farmers in several communities within Apa Local Government Area.
The attack reportedly occurred in the communities of Asaba, Ojantele, and Okpette, where farmers were said to be working on their farms when the assailants struck. The incident resulted in multiple casualties and left several residents injured.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet. According to her, security operatives swiftly mobilized to the affected areas following reports of the attack.
Edet explained that a joint security team made up of operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the military, and local youths from the affected communities was deployed to the surrounding forests to carry out search and rescue operations.
She said the aim of the operation is to locate victims, secure the communities, and track down those responsible for the killings.
“At the end of the initial operation, six lifeless bodies were recovered from the scene,” Edet stated, adding that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further violence in the affected communities.
The spokesperson further revealed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ifeanyi Emenari, has ordered reinforcements to strengthen the ongoing operation.
According to Edet, the additional security personnel have been deployed to facilitate a more coordinated and extensive search of nearby forests where the attackers are suspected to have fled.
“The Commissioner of Police wishes to assure the public that reinforcements have been sent to enable a thorough operation aimed at tracking down those responsible for the attack,” she said.
She also noted that security patrols have been intensified across the affected communities and other parts of the state to deter further attacks and reassure residents of the readiness of security agencies to confront criminal elements.
The police command urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives by providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and operations aimed at restoring peace in the area.
