Suspected Bandit Attacks Claim Lives in Benue State; Soldier Among Victims

Suspected bandits wreaked havoc in separate attacks in Kwande and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State, resulting in casualties including a soldier. The attacks, which occurred between Saturday and Sunday, targeted communities such as Udedeku in Kwande and Ochumekwu in Apa.

In the Udedeku community of Kwande, several people were reportedly killed, and many others went missing following the bandit invasion. Meanwhile, in Ochumekwu, Apa LGA, suspected bandits attacked soldiers deployed in the area, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to another.

Confirming the incident, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, the Force Commander of Operations Whirl Stroke, stated that troops responded to the attack in Ochumekwu, killing three assailants and recovering firearms and ammunition.

Regarding the Kwande attack, the OPWS Commander noted ongoing clearance operations to root out suspected foreign bandits in the area but did not confirm any casualties at the time.

However, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, stated that she had only heard reports of people invading the Kwande forest and was not aware of any killings. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing as security agencies work to restore peace and apprehend the perpetrators.