43 killed as Benue boils again

At least 43 people have been killed in fresh attackson communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State.

The latest attacks, which occurred Sunday evening, marks another bloody episode just one week after over 40 people, including a police officer, were killed in similar attacks on villages within Gwer West.

Locals told our correspondent in Makurdi that the attackers stormed Tse Antswam, a suburb of Naka town in Gwer West LGA, around 7pm and opened fire indiscriminately, leaving at least 18 dead and many others wounded.

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Survivors said several villagers fled into nearby bushes or even jumped into wells to escape the onslaught.

Traditional ruler of the area, Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, confirmed the death toll and described the style of the attack as guerrilla-like.

He said, “As of this morning, 18 bodies have been recovered. Some of the wounded may not survive because they were badly butchered. The search for more victims is ongoing.”

Abomtse noted that the affected village lies opposite a military checkpoint along the abandoned Naka–Makurdi road, which according to him, raises further concerns over the brazenness of the attackers.

In Apa LGA, the attacks was equally devastating as local sources said gunmen invaded Edikwu Ankpali community around the same time as the Naka attack, killing over 25 people.

A resident, who simply identified himself as Tony, told journalists in Makurdi on telephone that, “Over 25 corpses have been counted in Edikwu Ankpali. Burial arrangements are already underway for some of the victims.”

Former government official, John Ikwulono, added that Opaha community was also attacked early Monday morning, with casualties yet to be confirmed.

“The people are trapped in Odugbo now. They can’t even flee. Eleven people have already been buried from earlier attacks in Edikwu The death toll is climbing,” he said.

Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Ormini, expressed deep frustration, saying, “I’m tired of speaking to journalists. Exactly a week ago I told you about the killing of over 40 people. Today again, we are counting the dead; 14 corpses so far in Naka alone. It keeps getting worse.”

His counterpart in Apa, Adams Ocheiga, confirmed the attacks and said he was en route to the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment.

Meanwhile, the new spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incidents but did not give specific casualty figures.

“This is to confirm there was an attack yesterday at Naka and Apa. Tactical teams have been deployed and are already on ground. I’ll provide accurate figures once I get full details,” she stated.