According reports, several persons, including a soldier, have been reportedly killed by suspected armed bandits in separate attacks in Kwande and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State.
Locals say the attacks occurred between Saturday and Sunday in the Udedeku community of Maav-Ya, Mkoonmom District of Mbaikyor Council Ward, Turan Jato-Aka and Ochumekwu in Kwande and Apa LGAs respectively.
Many residents reportedly lost their lives and several others were said to have been missing when the bandits stormed the Udedeku community in Kwande.
Confirming the killing of one of his men, the Force Commander, Operations Whirl Stroke, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, who spoke to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday 4th March 2024 added that the suspected armed bandits attacked soldiers deployed in Ochumekwu, Apa LGA, killing one personnel, and leaving one other wounded.
“The troops in response killed three and injured several of them. They recovered one AK47 and rounds of ammunition from them.” He added.
Meanwhile, on the Kwande attack, the OPWS Commander could not confirm the killing in the area but revealed that troops were currently carrying out a clearance operation to trash out suspected armed foreign bandits who had infiltrated the area.
Also commenting on the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Catherine Anene said she only heard that some ‘people’ invaded Kwande forest and not killing. “What I heard was that some people invaded the forest in Kwande but I didn’t hear of killing.” Anene added.
