Benue Bloodshed: Bandits Slaughter Soldier and Innocents

Several tragic incidents unfolded over the weekend in Benue State, as suspected bandits wreaked havoc in Kwande and Apa Local Government Areas. Among the victims was a soldier, along with numerous civilians, who fell prey to the violence that erupted in various communities. The attacks, which spanned from Saturday to Sunday, targeted locations such as Udedeku community in Maav-Ya, Mkoonmom District of Mbaikyor Council Ward, as well as Turan Jato-Aka and Ochumekwu in Kwande and Apa LGAs respectively.

Reports from the affected areas paint a grim picture of the aftermath, with several casualties and individuals reported missing in the wake of the bandit incursions. Particularly harrowing was the assault on the Udedeku community in Kwande, where the invaders left a trail of destruction, claiming numerous lives and sowing fear and uncertainty among the residents.

Confirming the disturbing events, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, the Force Commander of Operations Whirl Stroke, addressed the media in Makurdi on Monday. He disclosed the tragic loss of one of his men in the attack on Ochumekwu in Apa LGA, emphasizing the brazenness of the assailants. Despite the swift retaliation by the troops, resulting in the neutralization of three attackers and the recovery of weapons, the situation remains precarious. Meanwhile, in Kwande, the OPWS Commander acknowledged ongoing efforts to root out the threat posed by suspected armed foreign bandits, underscoring the urgent need for security operations to safeguard vulnerable communities.