No fewer than 10 residents have been reportedly killed following a fresh attack on Ankpali community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, highlighting the deepening insecurity in the region.
The incident, which occurred late Sunday night, April 12, 2026, has plunged the rural community into mourning, with several persons still missing as search and rescue efforts continue.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, suspected to be armed Fulani militia, invaded the village under the cover of darkness, shooting sporadically and causing widespread panic.
The attack forced many residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
Sources revealed that the same community suffered a similar tragedy last year, when about 13 people were killed in an attack linked to suspected herdsmen.
The latest assault has left survivors traumatised, while many displaced families have taken refuge in neighbouring communities and other safer locations.
Reacting to the development, the lawmaker representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Chief Hon.
Pst Ojotu Ojema, strongly condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric, senseless, and a tragic reminder of the persistent security challenges” in the constituency and Benue State.
Ojema expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and the entire Edikwu-Ankpali community, lamenting the recurring violence in Apa and Agatu local government areas.
“It is unacceptable that our people continue to live in fear, unable to access their homes or farms, while suffering repeated attacks without adequate protection. Security agencies must rise to their responsibilities and bring an end to these killings once and for all,” he said.
He called on security agencies to take swift and decisive action to halt the ongoing violence, stressing that the situation has lingered for too long without a sustainable solution.
He also urged the Federal Government to address the root causes of the crisis and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
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In a separate reaction, Hon. Barr. Joy Okpainmo Ameh also commiserated with the people of Edikwu-Ankpali, describing the incident as a gruesome massacre.
She condemned the repeated attacks allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen and urged the government to take concrete steps to end the bloodshed.
Ameh further called on residents to remain united in the face of adversity while extending her condolences to families of the victims.
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