By Olaitan Ibrahim
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed fresh attacks by suspected herdsmen on communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas of the state on Sunday night, resulting in multiple casualties.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edit Udeme, revealed this during an interview with a correspondent on Monday in Makurdi.
According to her, tactical teams have been swiftly deployed to the affected areas to restore calm and ensure the safety of residents.
Udeme stated that nine bodies had been recovered so far from Edikwu community in Apa LGA, while search efforts for missing residents were still ongoing.
She added that the casualty count from the Naka community in Gwer West was yet to be confirmed, assuring the public that updates would be provided as soon as accurate information becomes available.
A local source from Apa described the assault as sudden and unprovoked. The attackers reportedly stormed the community around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, opening fire indiscriminately and killing anyone in sight.
The source claimed that more than 25 individuals were murdered during the onslaught, with many others abducted and taken to unknown locations.
The source described the scene as utterly devastating, adding that nothing was left standing in the village.
“It was an unprovoked attack. Some residents were at evening church service, while others relaxed at a beer joint when the attackers arrived. Security operatives in the area were overwhelmed and appeared helpless.”
In Gwer West, the Chairman of the Traditional Council, Chief Daniel Abomtse, confirmed that the community of Tse Antswam was attacked in a guerrilla-style operation. As of Monday morning, 18 corpses had been recovered, while several others sustained severe injuries.
“The brutality was unimaginable. Some victims were so badly butchered that their survival is uncertain. The search is ongoing because many fled into the bush with gunshot wounds, while others reportedly jumped into wells to escape,” Chief Abomtse said.
He noted with concern that the attacked village is situated directly opposite a military checkpoint on the Naka-Makurdi Road, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing security arrangements.
The police have assured that efforts to restore order and apprehend the perpetrators are underway.