Edikwu crisis: Soldiers arrest seven over killing of 13 people in Idoma community

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested seven persons in connection with the killing of over 13 persons in Ukpogo Community of Edikwu district in Apa Council of Benue State.

OPWS covers Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara states.

Locals said the suspects, who were bearing sophisticated weapons, were arrested following a tip-off.

Suspected armed militia had on August 10, 2020, invaded Ukpogo and killed about 13 persons, injured many and destroyed properties following a protracted chieftaincy dispute in the community.

A survivor of the bloody attack said under anonymity that he sighted one of the attackers in the community and quickly informed the troops deployed to the area to maintain peace.

Another source said that he was able to identify one of the attackers escaping to Amoke district in Apa.

When contacted, the Commander of OPWS, Maj-Gen. Adeyemi Yekini, refused to comment on the arrest, but referred newsmen to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Information Department.