By Amos Aar
FOUR people, including two military personnel and two civilians, were reportedly killed on Wednesday in a violent attack carried out by suspected armed herders in Ijaha Ikobi, a community in Apa LGA of Benue State.
Mr. John Ikwulono, a former deputy chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed the attack, disclosing that the assailants also seized military weapons, including two AK-47 rifles and one submachine gun (SMG).
The tragic incident has raised renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the state.
The civilian victims have been identified as Ocheje Ngbede Sani and Aduba Paul Ogboyi. At the time of reporting, the identities of the slain soldiers had not yet been officially released.
Mr. Ikwulono described the assault as a grave threat to peace and agricultural activities in the area.
He appealed to security agencies to take immediate action to secure the affected communities and surrounding forests in both Apa and Agatu LGAs to prevent further attacks.
Such measures, he emphasized, would enable displaced residents to safely return to their farms.
Ikwulono also called on the Mobile Police Unit (Mopol 80) stationed at Odugbo to enhance its operations in combating criminal elements operating in the region.
“This is a wake-up call for security agencies to take decisive action. Enough is enough,” Mr. Ikwulono stressed.
Benue State has experienced recurring clashes between farming communities and armed herders, often resulting in fatalities and mass displacement.
The latest attack underscores the escalating insecurity in rural areas and highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response from security forces to restore stability and protect vulnerable populations.
