Bandits attack Benue communities, kill soldier, residents

Several people, including a soldier, were reportedly killed in separate attacks by suspected bandits in Kwande and Apa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State over the weekend.

Newsmen learnt that the attacks occurred between Saturday and Sunday in Udedeku community of Maav-Ya, Mkoonmom District, Mbaikyor Council Ward, Turan Jato-Aka, and Ochumekwu in Kwande and Apa LGAs, respectively.

According to local sources, the bandits invaded the Udedeku community in Kwande, where several people were reportedly killed.

Some locals are said to be missing at the moment.

Confirming the incidents, the Force Commander, Operations Whirl Stroke, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, stated that suspected armed bandits attacked soldiers deployed in Ochumekwu, Apa LGA, resulting in the death of one soldier and the injury of another.

He said, “Suspected armed bandits have attacked soldiers deployed in Ochumekwu, Apa LGA, killed one personnel, and wounded one.

“The troops in response killed three and injured several of them. They recovered one AK-47 rifle and rounds of ammunition from them.”

Regarding the attack in Kwande, the OPWS Commander mentioned that troops were conducting a clearance operation to flush out suspected armed foreign bandits who invaded the LG.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Catherine Anene, acknowledged the invasion of the forest in Kwande, but stated she had not received reports of any killings.