Tragic incidents unfolded over the weekend as suspected bandits carried out separate attacks in Kwande and Apa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, resulting in the loss of lives, including that of a soldier.

According to reports, the attacks occurred in Udedeku community of Maav-Ya, Mkoonmom District, Mbaikyor Council Ward, Turan Jato-Aka, and Ochumekwu in Kwande and Apa LGAs between Saturday and Sunday.

In Kwande, the bandits launched a deadly assault on the Udedeku community, leading to the loss of several lives. Some individuals are currently reported as missing.

Confirming the incidents, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, the Force Commander of Operations Whirl Stroke, revealed that suspected armed bandits targeted soldiers deployed in Ochumekwu, Apa LGA. Tragically, one soldier lost his life, and another sustained injuries.

Major General Igbinomwanhia stated, “Suspected armed bandits attacked soldiers deployed in Ochumekwu, Apa LGA, resulting in the death of one personnel and the injury of another. In response, the troops neutralized three attackers, injured several others, and recovered one AK-47 rifle along with ammunition.”

Regarding the attack in Kwande, the commander of the Operations Whirl Stroke (OPWS) mentioned that troops were engaged in a clearance operation to eliminate suspected armed foreign bandits who had invaded the local government.

While the invasion of the forest in Kwande has been acknowledged by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, she stated that no reports of killings had been received at the time. The situation is still developing, and further updates are awaited.