Two soldiers and fifteen villagers have been reportedly killed in an attack by armed invaders on three communities of Apa Local Government Area in Benue State.
Locals said that the attacks happened simultaneously at about 6 pm on Tuesday in Opaha, Odogbo, and Edikwu communities in Apa LGA.
A local identified as Kole, said 17 bodies including two soldiers of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) were recovered from nearby bushes early hours of Wednesday after security operatives combed the area.
He said one of the deceased soldiers was the commander of the unit which confronted the armed invaders in their bid to repel the attackers from the communities while under siege.
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Chairman of Apa Development Association, Eche Akpoko, confirmed that there was an attack in the area on Tuesday night.
Akpoko said, at the time of his contact with the community, 10 dead bodies including two soldiers were already recovered but he was yet to get an update as of 10:30 am.
State Commissioner of Finance, David Olofu, who hails from Opaha, one of the attacked villages confirmed, that the bodies of 15 villagers and two soldiers were recovered
The Nigeria Police Force Benue State Command confirmed the unfortunate attack by armed men suspected to be herdsmen on the Opaha Community in Edikwu council ward of Apa Local Government Area in Benue State however saying that
an army officer and more than 10 people were killed with several persons reported missing as the whole village was said to have been sacked.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene said the attack took place on Tuesday evening while details of the attack were being awaited.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
