Apa LGA attack leaves two dead in Benue as suspected herders invade communities; youths repel assailants amid rising tensions

Two people were killed in a renewed Apa LGA attack on communities in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, following an invasion by suspected armed herders.

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Residents said the violence erupted in Edikwu G’Icho, Ole-G’ijamu and Ukpogo communities when gunmen reportedly stormed the areas in coordinated assaults.

According to locals who spoke on condition of anonymity, a pastor returning from church was among those ambushed and killed during the attack.

The residents further alleged that two women were sexually assaulted in the chaos and later rushed to hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

Youths in nearby Oiji community were said to have mobilised swiftly in a determined response, successfully repelling the attackers and preventing further casualties.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adams Ocheiga, said the victims were ambushed at Edikwu Ward 11.

“Two people were ambushed and killed at Edikwu Ward 11 yesterday, while Oiji was attacked this morning but repelled immediately by vigilant youths,” Adams Ocheiga said.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls and text messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were not returned as of the time of filing this report.

The latest Apa LGA attack underscores mounting security concerns in parts of Benue State, where several communities have experienced repeated violence in recent weeks.

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Within the past month, incidents linked to suspected armed herders have been reported in Kwande, Otukpo, Ohinmini, Logo and Guma local government areas, heightening fears among residents and prompting renewed calls for stronger security interventions.