Cleric, one other killed in attack on Benue communities

At least two persons, including a pastor, were reportedly killed in fresh attacks on rural communities in the Apa Local Government Area of Benue State. Residents told our correspondent on Monday that suspected armed herders attacked Edikwu G’Icho, Ole-G’ijamu and Oiji communities between Sunday afternoon and early Monday morning. According to them, the attackers struck […]

At least two persons, including a pastor, were reportedly killed in fresh attacks on rural communities in the Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

Residents told our correspondent on Monday that suspected armed herders attacked Edikwu G’Icho, Ole-G’ijamu and Oiji communities between Sunday afternoon and early Monday morning.

According to them, the attackers struck around noon on Sunday, ambushing and killing a pastor who was returning from church in Edikwu Ward 11.

The residents also alleged that two women were raped during the invasion.

A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victims of the sexual assault were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Locals further claimed that the same group invaded the Ukpogo community on Sunday night, while the Oiji community came under attack early Monday before the assailants were repelled.

The chairman of Apa LGA, Adams Ocheiga, confirmed the incidents in a telephone interview, stating that two persons were killed in Sunday’s ambush.

“Two people were ambushed and killed at Edikwu Ward 11 yesterday (Sunday), while Oiji was attacked this morning (Monday), but the attackers were repelled by vigilant youths,” he said.

 

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to her were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.