Herders Invade Benue Community, Kill 2 Soldiers, 15 Villagers
At least fifteen villagers and two soldiers were reportedly killed when armed intruders attacked three communities in the Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
Locals reported that the attacks occurred simultaneously in Opaha, Odogbo, and Edikwu communities in Apa LGA on Tuesday at approximately 6 p.m.
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A local identified only as Kole stated that 17 bodies, including two soldiers from Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), were recovered from nearby bushes by security personnel in the early hours of Wednesday.
The local also informed journalists that one of the deceased soldiers was the commander of the unit that engaged the armed intruders in an attempt to repel the attackers from the besieged communities.
Barrister Eche Akpoko, chairman of the Apa Development Association, confirmed that the community was attacked on Tuesday night.
As of 10:30 a.m., Akpoko reported that 10 dead bodies, including two soldiers, had been recovered, but that he had no further information.
State Commissioner for Finance David Olofu, who is from one of the affected villages, Opaha, told journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday morning that the bodies of fifteen villagers and two soldiers had been recovered.
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At the time of this report, Olofu stated he was on his way to the village to assess the situation.
Flight Lieutenant DO Oquah, the OPWS spokesperson, stated that he was out of town and unable to comment on the matter.
Major Ogundile, the Sector Commander of OPWS in charge of Apa LGA, could not be reached because his phone was off.
SP Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Benue Command, told journalists via telephone that she was unaware of the incident.
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