Suspected armed herdsmen attacked Opaha Community in Edikwu Ward 2, in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, killing 15 people including a soldier of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS)
The attack occurred at about 6pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
The bodies were recovered from nearby bushes in the early hours of Wednesday after security operatives combed the area.
The deceased soldier, identified as Sunday Odese, was the commander of the unit which confronted the armed invaders in their bid to repel them.
Recall that suspected herdsmen attacked Igbobi community, in the same LGA, a few weeks ago leaving five people dead, while no fewer than 10,000 have been displaced and now taking refuge in Ugbokpo, the headquarters of the local government.
Also, at the weekend, suspected armed herders killed the Edikwun Council Ward Chairman of the Labour Party in the same LGA, Nathaniel Ochoche, was killed.
According to a local who spoke to newsmen many people are still missing after the attack.
“As I’m talking to you, we don’t know the location of many people because everyone ran away as the people launched an attack on the village between 4:pm and 5 pm yesterday,” the local said.
Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Finance, David Olofu, described the attack as ‘unprovoked’, adding that 15 people were killed including an army officer.
“Yes, they just went to my community and killed people unprovoked, over 15 people were killed including the commander of OPWS in that area,” he said.
“This is a peaceful community where the people don’t look for anybody’s trouble. The attackers went to the community around 4pm and sacked the whole community.”
Below are names of 13 of the victims:1. Gowon Obaje2. Alade Obaje3. Obiabo Acheme4. Iyacho5. OchalefuAjeibi6. Apochi Ime7. Gowon Acheme8. Adams9. Alhaji Edohkede10. Gabriel Omale11. Ogwola Odagboyi12. Omale Odagboyi’s son13. Abichele Ochogeka
