Two persons have lost their lives following fresh attacks by suspected armed herders on communities in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
The assaults, which occurred on Sunday, affected Edikwu G’Icho, Ole-G’ijamu and Ukpogo communities, where residents said armed men stormed the areas, leaving destruction and fear in their wake.
Community sources disclosed that one of the victims, a pastor, was reportedly killed while returning home from a church service after being ambushed by the attackers.
Residents further alleged that two women were raped during the invasion and were immediately taken to a medical facility for treatment.
It was learnt that youths from neighbouring Oiji community quickly organised themselves and confronted the assailants, successfully driving them away and preventing further loss of lives.
Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adams Ocheiga, who confirmed the incident, said the victims were ambushed and killed at Edikwu Ward 11 on Sunday.
He added that another attack targeting Oiji community was swiftly repelled by local youths who responded promptly to the situation.
Attempts to get a reaction from the Benue State Police Command proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, were not answered as of press time.
In recent weeks, several parts of Benue State have experienced repeated attacks linked to suspected armed herders, with fatalities recorded in Kwande, Otukpo, Ohinmini, Logo, Guma and now Apa Local Government Area.
