By Our Reporter
Benue State, Nigeria – At least 15 villagers were killed on Friday during an attack on Ojantele community in Apa Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, according to eyewitnesses.
The victims, mostly women and youths from neighboring communities including Asaba and Akpete, had gone into nearby bushes to collect fallen cashew nuts following overnight rainfall when the assailants opened fire. Several others were injured during the attack.
Residents reported that the attackers arrived with a large herd of cattle, firing sporadically as villagers attempted to flee from the farms. As of the latest reports, 11 people sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital in Ugbokpo, the LGA headquarters, for treatment. Some residents remain missing, including a woman who was allegedly abducted during the incident.
The chairman of Apa LGA, Adams Ochega, confirmed the attack but stated he was yet to receive comprehensive details, appealing for time to obtain accurate information. Attempts to reach the Benue State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing.
This attack comes amid rising insecurity in parts of Benue State, where banditry and violent raids on farming communities have increasingly endangered residents’ lives and livelihoods.