By Chimdiogo Amuh 

At least two persons have been confirmed dead following a renewed attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Akpete community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack, which occurred on Friday evening, left several residents injured, while many others were reported missing as fear and panic swept through the area.

A community source told AnchorNews that the assailants first invaded the village around midday but were resisted by local youths, forcing them to withdraw temporarily. However, the attackers reportedly returned around 6:00 pm in larger numbers, moving from house to house in search of victims after most residents had fled.

According to the source, one of the victims was killed after briefly returning home to retrieve personal belongings, during which his motorcycle was also set ablaze. Another resident was killed nearby during the renewed assault.

The deceased were identified as Matthew Ochanga and Isaac Adanu, while several others sustained severe injuries.

Lamenting the persistent violence, the source said many villages in the area had been deserted, noting that residents could no longer access their farmlands due to fear of attacks. He added that the situation had left the people helpless and food production severely affected.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed receiving reports of an attack by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen on Edikwu Icho, also in Apa LGA, but said the assault was successfully repelled.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the Command disclosed that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) swiftly intervened and restored calm to the area.

“The attack was repelled through the efforts of operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad. The general security situation in Apa Local Government Area remains calm,” the statement said.

The police further revealed that reconstruction work is ongoing on the bridge linking Ugbokpo, Idogbu, Ochumeku and Ikobi communities, which was earlier destroyed by suspected herdsmen. According to the Command, the project is being executed under heavy security presence.

In a related development, police operatives intercepted a suspected arms runner in Ukum Local Government Area on the same day. The suspect, identified as Saamoga, also known as Aleki, was arrested at Tse Dubem area while allegedly transporting ammunition on a commercial motorcycle from Gbagir to Zaki-Biam.

DSP Edet disclosed that a search on the suspect led to the recovery of 117 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed inside socks in his handbag, alongside charms and a mobile phone.

The suspect reportedly sustained a gunshot injury while attempting to escape arrest and later died while receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam. Preliminary investigations indicated that the ammunition was being transported to Taraba State.

Commending his officers for their professionalism, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing across the state.

He also urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance crime prevention and detection.