Mopol officer, nine others killed in renewed attacks in Benue
By Ndukaku Ihe
Gunmen, said to be herdsmen militia, have killed 10 people including a Mobile Police Officer in a renewed attack in communities of Otukpko and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State.
Our correspondent gathered that the killings in Apa LGA took place on Sunday and Friday. A local source told newsmen that over 10 people were killed on Sunday, April 12, 2026 while three were killed earlier on Friday, April 10, 2026.
According to the source, Youths from the area are currently combing the bushes to recover more dead bodies.
The Otukpko Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the killing of the Mopol, saying he was killed by herdsmen in Upu community of Otukpo LGA.
On the other hand, the chairman of Apa LGA, Adam Ochega, has confirmed the death of nine people, explaining that while many were injured at Edikwu – Ankpali, one was killed at Ikobi and another killed at Adija.
In a statement, he earlier issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ogili Ogili, the chairman decried continued attacks of Benue communities and killings by herdsmen.
He said “The recent attacks on Ikobi, Adija and Edikwu-Añkpali have left a trail of devastation and grief. Innocent lives have been lost, and the survivors are grappling with the trauma of witnessing their loved ones being killed.
“We urge the federal and state governments to act immediately. They should deploy more security forces to hotspots, facilitate more security approach to address resource conflicts, provide compensation and support to victims’ families, and enact policies to allow the people to go back to their farming activities.
Ochega has already visited the affected communities to demand security briefings, and facilitate dialogue and support to the affected communities. He insists that “The people of Ikobi, Adijà, and Edikwu-Añkpali demand justice and protection. It’s time for our leaders to prioritize the lives of Nigerians and take decisive action against those responsible for these heinous crimes.”
He said: “The government must do more than just condemn these attacks; they must take concrete action to prevent future tragedies. The lives of Nigerians are at stake, and it’s time for our leaders to act.”
Meanwhile, the Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on National Inland Waterways, Ojotu Ojema, has condemned strongly, the late Sunday night attack on Edikwu-Ankpali Community in Apa LGA of the State, by suspected herdsmen, which resulted in the gruesome killing of more than ten residents.
Ojema, in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Ekani Olikita, described the attack as barbaric, senseless and a tragic reminder of the persistent security challenges confronting communities in the Federal Constituency and across the state.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Edikwu-Ankpali community.
The Federal Lawmaker decried the recurring wave of violent attacks in Apa and Agatu LGAs, noting that the continued bloodshed has caused untold hardship, fear and displacement among law-abiding citizens.
He called on security agencies to rise to the occasion and take immediate, proactive, and decisive measures to halt the ongoing carnage, stressing that the situation has lingered for far too long without a sustainable solution.
“It is unacceptable that our people continue to live in fear, can’t access their homes or farms and suffer repeated attacks without adequate protection. Security agencies must wake up to their responsibilities and bring an end to these killings once and for all,” Ojema stated.
Ojema further urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in addressing the root causes of insecurity in Benue State and ensure that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are apprehended and brought to justice.
While calling for calm among residents, he assured his constituents of his continued commitment to engaging relevant authorities and advocating for improved security presence and lasting peace in the region.
