A deadly attack by suspected armed herdsmen has left four persons dead in Akpete community, located in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State. The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening around 5:30 p.m., throwing the community into mourning and panic.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers emerged from surrounding bushes and opened fire indiscriminately on residents, killing four and injuring several others. An unspecified number of individuals remain missing, with fears they may have been abducted during the chaos.
“They came from the bush and opened fire on anyone they saw,” one resident recounted anonymously. “Many people are still missing and unaccounted for.”
Although soldiers were later deployed to the area, the assailants had fled before their arrival. The violent attack has triggered a mass exodus of residents from Akpete to nearby Ugbokpo, the council headquarters, in search of safety.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Mr. Adams Ochega, described the assault as unprovoked and deeply disturbing.
“We have never had any conflict with the Fulani before now. This was a completely unprovoked assault,” Ochega stated. “Four people were killed, others were injured, and some are still missing.”
He added that security reinforcements are being mobilized from Makurdi, including mobile police units and additional military personnel, to stabilize the situation and prevent further violence.
As tension remains high, residents are calling for urgent intervention from both state and federal authorities to protect lives and ensure justice is served.
