Tragedy struck in Kwande and Apa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State as suspected bandits unleashed violence, resulting in the loss of lives, including that of a soldier, in separate attacks.
According to reports from locals, the attacks occurred between Saturday and Sunday, targeting communities including Udedeku in Kwande and Ochumekwu in Apa LGA.
The Udedeku community in Kwande was particularly hard-hit, with several casualties reported and many individuals declared missing following the bandit invasion.
Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, Force Commander of Operations Whirl Stroke, confirmed the death of one soldier during the attacks. He stated, “Suspected armed bandits have attacked soldiers deployed in Ochumekwu, Apa LGA, killing one personnel and injuring another. The troops responded by neutralizing three assailants, recovering an AK47 and ammunition from the scene.”
Regarding the situation in Kwande, the OPWS Commander noted ongoing clearance operations to eliminate suspected armed foreign bandits who had infiltrated the LG.
Catherine Anene, Police Public Relations Officer, commented on the Kwande incident, stating she was aware of people invading the forest but did not confirm reports of killings.
