Suspected herdsmen invade Benue communities kill 13 in separate attacks, injure many others.

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi 
No fewer than 13 persons have been killed and many others  injured as suspected armed herdsmen launched fresh attack on Edikwu - Ànkpali, Ikobi and Adija communities in Apa local government area of Benue state.

The Executive Chairman of Apa local government council, Adams Ogwola who confirmed this to our correspondent in a message on Monday in Makurdi, said nine dead bodies have been confirmed while search is still on going.

He explained that the invaders stormed the affected communities on Sunday night and  first killed one person at Ikobi, another in Adija.. 

However, a local source said the attacks started on Friday in the morning and continued till on Sunday night with 13 persons killed. 

The source said 3 persons were killed on Friday while 10 killed on Sunday

According to him,  'Youths are in the bush to recover more bodies. Also a mopol was killed in Upu Otukpo LGA on Saturday'. 

Meanwhile, the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Pst Ojotu Ojema has strongly condemned the late Sunday night attack on Edikwu-Ankpali Community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen, which resulted in the gruesome killing of more than ten residents.

Ojema who is the Chairman, House Committee on National Inland Waterways in a statement by his media aide Ekani Olikita described the attack as barbaric, senseless and a tragic reminder of the persistent security challenges confronting communities in the Federal Constituency and across the state.

He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Edikwu-Ankpali community.

The Federal Lawmaker decried the recurring wave of violent attacks in Apa and Agatu LGAs, noting that the continued bloodshed has caused untold hardship, fear and displacement among law-abiding citizens.

He called on security agencies to rise to the occasion and take immediate, proactive, and decisive measures to halt the ongoing carnage, stressing that the situation has lingered for far too long without a sustainable solution.

“It is unacceptable that our people continue to live in fear, can't access their homes or farms and suffer repeated attacks without adequate protection. Security agencies must wake up to their responsibilities and bring an end to these killings once and for all,” Ojema stated.

The rep member further urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in addressing the root causes of insecurity in Benue State and ensure that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are apprehended and brought to justice.

While calling for calm among residents, he assured his constituents of his continued commitment to engaging relevant authorities and advocating for improved security presence and lasting peace in the region.