Suspected herdsmen attacked Akpete community in Benue State, killing four, injuring several, and leaving many missing.

No fewer than four individuals have reportedly lost their lives in an attack carried out by suspected armed herdsmen in Akpete community, located in the Apa Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

The incident also left several people with injuries, while many others have been declared missing following the assault.

According to a local source, the assailants emerged from the surrounding bushes and launched the attack on Thursday evening at approximately 5:30 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately on residents.

The source stated, “The attackers emerged from the bush on Thursday and invaded Akpete community, which is situated close to Ugbokpo, the headquarters of the local government, at around 5:30 p.m. They began shooting randomly at anyone they saw. They killed four people, injured several others, and many are still unaccounted for. There are concerns that those missing may have been taken away by the armed herdsmen.

“Although soldiers have now been deployed to Akpete, residents are fleeing the community in large numbers, with many heading towards Ugbokpo for safety.”

When contacted, the Chairman of Apa Local Government Council, Mr. Adams Ochega, confirmed the incident and described the attack as unprovoked. He expressed dismay over the senseless killing of innocent people.

Mr. Ochega said, “We have never had any issues with the Fulani people. They simply came into the village and attacked without provocation, killing four individuals. Several others sustained injuries, and some residents remain missing. Based on my investigation, the people of Akpete had no dispute or misunderstanding with them whatsoever.

“I had just left a meeting between 5 and 6 p.m. when I began hearing reports of gunfire in the community. I immediately tried to make contact with people in the area, but the mobile network was poor. It wasn’t until around 7 p.m. that I was able to get through. I contacted the soldiers stationed at Ikobi, and even before I reached out to them, they had already responded and moved into the community. Unfortunately, the attackers had fled by the time the soldiers arrived.”

He further stated that the matter has been reported to the appropriate security agencies. “As of now, we have dispatched vehicles to Makurdi to bring in mobile police personnel to Apa. Additionally, soldiers are currently on the ground to help prevent further attacks and maintain peace in the area.”

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful.