At least four people have been confirmed dead following a deadly attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Akpete community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident, which occurred Thursday evening around 5:30 pm, left several other persons injured and an undisclosed number of residents missing, according to local sources.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers emerged from surrounding bushes and began shooting indiscriminately at residents.
“They came from the bush and opened fire on anyone they saw,”; a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
“Four people were killed, some others were injured, and several people are still unaccounted for. Many believe the missing may have been abducted.”;
In the wake of the attack, soldiers were deployed to the area, but the assailants had already fled.
The incident has triggered panic among residents, with many fleeing Akpete to nearby Ugbokpo, the council headquarters.
Confirming the attack, Chairman of Apa Local Government Council, Mr. Adams Ochega, described it as unprovoked and deeply troubling.
“We have never had any conflict with the Fulani before now,”; Ochega stated. “This was a completely unprovoked assault.
“Four people were killed, others injured, and some are still missing. The attack began around 5 p.m., but by the time security operatives arrived, the attackers had already escaped.”;
Ochega added that reinforcements are being brought in from Makurdi to strengthen security in the area, including mobile police units and additional soldiers, to prevent further violence and restore calm.
