April 26, (THEWILL) – Armed herdsmen have continued with their terrorist act, with two soldiers and fifteen villagers falling victim in Tuesday’s assault on three communities in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
THEWILL gathered that the coordinated attacks took place at about 6 pm on Tuesday in Opaha, Odugbo and Edikwu, without any suspicion by the residents.
One man, who identified himself as Kole, said 17 bodies including two soldiers of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), were recovered from nearby bushes in the early hours of Wednesday, after security operatives arrived at the scene and started combing the area, which was fled by residents.
It was gathered that a Commander of the unit, who confronted the armed invaders in their bid to repel the attackers from the communities while under siege, was killed during the invasion.
A Community leader, Barr. Eche Akpoko, told our correspondent that at the time of his contact with the community, 10 dead bodies including two soldiers were already recovered.
In his account, an indigene of the area, who is Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Dr David Olofu, told journalists in Makurdi that the bodies of 15 villagers and two soldiers were recovered in the early hours of Wednesday.
“I’m on my way to the village to ascertain the situation by myself. I will be able to talk to you in an informed manner in the course of time.”
When contacted, the Spokesman of OPWS, Flight Lieutenant D.O. Oquah, said he was out of town and could not speak on the matter, while the Sector Commander of OPWS in charge of Apa Local Government area, Major Ogundile, could not be reached.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), for Benue Command, SP Cathrine Anene, told our correspondent on the phone that she was not yet aware of the incident.
