Armed Herdsmen Attack Benue Communities, Kill Soldier, Farmers

Suspected armed herdsmen unleashed terror on Benue communities, resulting in the death of a soldier, injuries to another, and the tragic loss of two farmers. The attacks occurred separately in Ochumekwu and Udedeku communities within the Apa and Kwande Local Government areas of Benue State.

The targeted military personnel were part of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), a military spike operation aimed at quelling the activities of armed herdsmen and bandits threatening local residents. The soldiers fell victim to an ambush while on patrol in the affected areas.

In another grim incident, two individuals lost their lives, and several sustained injuries during a raid on Udedeku community in the Maav-Ya area of Mkoonmom district, Mbaikyor Council Ward, Turan Jato-Aka in Kwande local government area.

A local source revealed that armed herdsmen, already in control of five Council Wards in Turan and three Wards in Ikyurav Ya, invaded Udedeku community, mercilessly ambushing and slaughtering victims. The dire situation has forced residents to flee their homes, seeking refuge elsewhere to evade the threat posed by well-armed herdsmen.

Force Commander of OPWS, Maj. Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, confirmed the attack on his troops. He disclosed that during the offensive, three assailants were killed, and a significant number of their weapons were seized, including an AK-47 rifle and rounds of ammunition.

Regarding the incident in Kwande council, Maj. Gen. Igbinomwanhia stated, “OPWS is currently carrying out a clearance operation to flush out suspected armed foreign herders who have invaded the LGA.” The situation remains tense as security forces work to restore order and safeguard the affected communities.