From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
At least two (2) persons have been reportedly killed in renewed attacks on some communities in Apa local government area of Benue State.
The Chairman of Apa LGA, Adams Ocheiga, who confirmed the incident said that the victims were ambushed and murdered on Sunday at Edikwu Ward 11.
He said, “two people were ambushed and killed at Edikwu Ward 11 yesterday, while Oiji was attacked this morning but repelled immediately by vigilant youths”.
Eye witnesses said the attacks began on Sunday afternoon when suspected armed herders invaded Edikwu G’Icho and Ole-G’ijamu communities.
The eye witnesses said a pastor returning from church was among the two killed in the ambush.
Other local sources in the area also alleged that two women were raped during the attacks and that the victims were rushed to a hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
The locals also said that the suspected armed herders further stormed Ukpogo community on Sunday night before advancing to Oiji on Monday morning.
However, youths in Oiji mobilised and successfully repelled the attackers, preventing further casualties.
Efforts to get reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to her were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.
