No fewer than ten people have been reported killed following a fresh attack by suspected armed herdsmen on the Ankpali community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
The assault, which occurred on Sunday night, threw the rural community into mourning, with several persons still missing.
Residents told New Telegraph that the attackers, described as armed Fulani militia, stormed the village under the cover of darkness and opened fire indiscriminately, sparking panic and forcing many families to flee for safety.
The attack has left many survivors traumatized, while displaced families are taking refuge in neighbouring communities deemed safe.
Reacting to the incident, the lawmaker representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Hon. Ojotu Ojema, condemned the killings, describing them it as “barbaric, senseless and a tragic reminder of the persistent security challenges” facing the constituency and Benue State at large.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Edikwu-Ankpali community, while lamenting the recurring violence in Apa and Agatu local government areas.
“It is unacceptable that our people continue to live in fear, can’t access their homes or farms and suffer repeated attacks without adequate protection. Security agencies must wake up to their responsibilities and bring an end to these killings once and for all”.
The lawmaker called on security agencies to take immediate and decisive steps to halt the killings, stressing that the situation has persisted for too long without a lasting solution.
He also urged the Federal Government to address the root causes of insecurity and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.