Metro
Gunmen attack Benue communities, kill police officer, 13 others
A mobile police officer and 13 other persons have reportedly lost their lives following fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Otukpo and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State.
The attacks also left several residents injured, while many others are still missing as search efforts continue.
A local source said the mobile police officer was killed on Saturday while trying to repel an attack by armed herders on the Upu community in Otukpo LGA.
“Police personnel came to repel an attack by armed herdsmen who invaded Upu, and it was in the process that the herdsmen killed the officer,” the source said.
Another eyewitness further revealed that the attackers had earlier struck on Friday, invading Ikobi and Adija communities, where three persons were killed and several others sustained serious injuries.
“After killing two persons in Ikobi and one in Adija on Friday night, where many were injured and some declared missing, they returned on Sunday afternoon and attacked Edikwu-Ankpali, killing 10 persons, including women,” he said.
“So far, we have recovered 10 bodies in Edikwu-Ankpali, and many people are injured. As we speak, youths are still combing the bushes in search of those who are missing.
“Our fear is that, given the scale of the attack and the number of persons unaccounted for, more bodies may still be found in the bushes because the attackers came with the intention to massacre our people.
“It is all tears and wailing across the affected villages. Innocent people were killed for no reason, yet it feels like nothing has happened.
“This is unfortunate. Our people should be on their farms, but armed herdsmen are forcing us off our land, and the government has failed to stop their atrocities.
“The government has not prioritised the safety of our people. All they seem to care about is the 2027 elections while our people are being killed in their homes. It is deeply saddening,” he said.
Confirming the attacks in Apa LGA, the Council Chairman, Adams Ochega, described the situation as unfortunate and appealed for calm, assuring residents that security had been reinforced in the affected communities.
Similarly, the Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, who confirmed the killing of the mobile police officer in Upu, said the officer died on Saturday while repelling an incursion by armed herders. He added that additional security personnel had been deployed to the area to curb further attacks.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
Follow Us on Google Discover
2027: Kwankwaso a goat in sheep’s clothing, secretly working for Tinubu – Atiku Campaign Council
DSS arrests Maina’s fugitive son in Abuja, hands him over to EFCC
2027: Step down if you are not working for Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju dares Obi, Kwankwaso
2027: ‘I wont join my Uncle to support Tinubu’ – Davido says
Enugu NYSC death: NAFDAC debunks claims linking corps members death to fake drugs
33 Governors cannot be wrong in supporting Tinubu – Bayo Onanuga
Security forces arrest five suspects over abduction of 20 NYSC members in Imo
Rugby star Hyron Andrews dies at 31 after accidental fall in South Africa
LAUTECH Resident Doctors halt 50-day strike as Makinde intervenes
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
FG raises health fund allocation to N40.76bn, extends insurance to prison inmates
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
Tinubu reappoints Bala Bila as INEC commissioner, nominates six others
2027: ‘Don’t trust your destiny to ‘kalokalo’ people’ – Wike warns Rivers voters against Atiku, Amaechi, Obi
BREAKING: Cross River PDP Chairman Venatius Ikem resigns, cites leadership crisis
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
‘You Betrayed Osun People’ — Adeleke, Davido face backlash over support for Tinubu
2027: Atiku, Obi, Makinde, Adebayo, Duke hold talks with six opposition parties
Ex-Senator Bello Mandiya’s body found in Abuja home three days after he slipped, hit his head in the bathroom
Tinubu reappoints Bala Bila as INEC commissioner, nominates six others
JUST IN: Finnish Appeal Court reduces Simon Ekpa’s jail term to four years, upholds terrorism conviction
Over 10 soldiers, four civilians feared dead as Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno military base
‘I love Islam, I’ve sent people to Mecca to pray for me, Nigeria for 25 years’ – Akpabio
Zamfara govt set to empower 36,176 residents with Dangote shares
Umahi reopens first Niger bridge after emergency repairs, displays Tinubu’s photos
Lagos govt announces 3-day traffic diversion on Independence bridge for emergency repairs
Elon Musk unveils Tesla’s ‘flying’ car in stunning demonstration
Panic in Rivers community as pipeline explosion injures 20, razes over 50 houses
Tension escalates as thugs attack NDC secretariat in Edo, destroy properties
