Gunmen Attack Benue Villages, Leaving Two Dead

At least two individuals lost their lives following an armed assault on two villages located in the Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

Local residents reported that the attackers struck the Akpete community around 6 PM on Friday, resulting in the deaths of two people identified as Matthew Ochanga and Isaac Adanu, while several others sustained injuries.

The assailants also attempted to invade the Edikwu community in the same Local Government Area around the same hour but were thwarted by security personnel.

Adams Ocheiga, the Chairman of Apa LGA, confirmed the events to our correspondent via phone on Saturday night. He stated that soldiers and local youths teamed up against the attackers at Edikwu and successfully drove them away.

Ocheiga reiterated that the two fatalities occurred in the Akpete community. He assured that security measures have been heightened in the impacted areas to prevent future occurrences of such violence.

DSP Udeme Edet, the Police Public Relations Officer, corroborated the details, indicating that the police command received reports on February 6, 2026, regarding an attack attributed to suspected armed Fulani herdsmen in Edikwu Icho, Apa LGA.

“The incursion was repelled thanks to the efforts of operatives from the Benue State Police Command's Rapid Response Squad (RRS). Consequently, the overall security situation in the Apa Local Government Area is reportedly stable,” he stated.

The PPRO further elaborated that a bridge connecting Ugbokpo, Idogbu, Ochumeku, and Ikobi—which had previously been set ablaze by suspected herdsmen—is currently undergoing reconstruction under tight security to ensure the safety of laborers and community members.

Edet noted the continued collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and local government officials, stating that their collective efforts are crucial in maintaining peace and security throughout the state.