At least two persons have been confirmed dead following a renewed attack on Akpete community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herdsmen.
The Friday evening assault left several residents injured, while others were reported missing as panic spread across the area. A local source disclosed that the attackers initially invaded the village around noon but were resisted by youths, forcing them to withdraw temporarily.
“They came around 12 noon but our youths stood up to them. Unfortunately, they returned around 6pm in much larger numbers and began moving from house to house looking for people to attack. By then, most residents had fled,” the source said.
According to residents, one of the victims was killed after briefly returning home to retrieve personal belongings. His motorcycle was also set ablaze. Another resident was reportedly killed during the renewed assault. The deceased were identified as Matthew Ochanga and Isaac Adanu.
Community members lamented the recurring attacks, alleging that several villages have been deserted due to insecurity, with farmers unable to access their farmlands.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed receiving a report of an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Edikwu Icho, also in Apa LGA, stating that the assault was repelled by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said calm has been restored, adding that reconstruction of a previously damaged bridge in the area is ongoing under tight security.
The Command also disclosed the arrest of a suspect conveying 117 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition in Ukum LGA. The suspect later died from injuries sustained while attempting to evade arrest.
