Suspected armed Fulani herdsmen have allegedly invaded Opaha community in Edikwu Ward 2, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals, including one soldier. Reports indicate that several people are missing following the attack on the community by the aggressors.
This is not the first time that such an incident has occurred in the region. Just a few weeks ago, suspected armed herdsmen invaded Igbobi community in the same Apa LG, where five people lost their lives, and approximately 10,000 people were displaced and are now seeking refuge in Ugbokpo, the headquarters of the local government.
Furthermore, over the weekend, suspected armed Fulani herders killed the Edikwun Council ward Chairman of the Labour Party, Nathaniel Ochoche, in the same local government area. Opaha is the village of the lawmaker representing Apa State Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Abu Umoro. The state Commissioner of Finance, David Olofu, is also from the village.
According to a resident, the attack on the community took place on Tuesday evening, and as a result, the village has been abandoned. The source disclosed that they do not know the whereabouts of many people since everyone fled. The attack on the village was launched between 4 pm and 5 pm on Tuesday.
Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Finance, Olofu, described the attack as ‘unprovoked,’ adding that over 15 people, including a Commander of OPWS, were killed during the invasion. Olofu further noted that the community was peaceful, and the people did not seek trouble.