Benue: Herdsmen kill over 10 in fresh attack on Ankpali community

More than ten residents have been gruesomely killed following a late Sunday night attack on Edikwu-Ankpali Community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Reacting to the incident, the Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on National Inland Waterways, Chief Hon. Pst Ojotu Ojema, PhD, FESMI, strongly condemned the attack.

Ojema described the killings as barbaric, senseless and a tragic reminder of the persistent security challenges confronting communities within the Federal Constituency and across the state.

He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Edikwu-Ankpali community.

The Federal lawmaker decried the recurring wave of violent attacks in Apa and Agatu LGAs, noting that the continued bloodshed has inflicted untold hardship, fear and displacement on law-abiding citizens.

He called on security agencies to rise to the occasion and take immediate, proactive and decisive measures to halt the ongoing carnage, stressing that the situation has persisted for far too long without a sustainable solution.

“It is unacceptable that our people continue to live in fear, can’t access their homes or farms and suffer repeated attacks without adequate protection. Security agencies must wake up to their responsibilities and bring an end to these killings once and for all,” Ojema stated.

Ojema further urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward addressing the root causes of insecurity in Benue State and ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are apprehended and brought to justice.

In a separate reaction, Hon. Barr. Joy Okpainmo Ameh also mourned with the people of Edikwu-Ankpali, condemning what she described as a gruesome massacre of innocent villagers.

She frowned at the incessant killings allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen and called on the government to take concrete and lasting steps to end the violence.

Ameh expressed sympathy with the affected families and urged residents to remain united in the face of the tragedy, while stressing the need for urgent action to safeguard lives and property across the constituency.

While calling for calm among residents, both leaders assured the people of their continued commitment to engaging relevant authorities and advocating for improved security presence and lasting peace in the region.