Suspected bandits carried out separate attacks in Kwande and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State, resulting in several fatalities, including a soldier, according to reports from locals.
The attacks occurred between Saturday and Sunday in the Udedeku community of Maav-Ya, Mkoonmom District of Mbaikyor Council Ward, Turan Jato-Aka, and Ochumekwu in Kwande and Apa LGAs respectively.
In the Udedeku community of Kwande, several individuals were reportedly killed, and many others were reported missing following the bandit invasion.
Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, the Force Commander of Operations Whirl Stroke, confirmed the death of one soldier during the attack in Ochumekwu, Apa LGA.
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He stated that the troops retaliated, killing three assailants and injuring several others while recovering an AK47 rifle and ammunition.
Regarding the attack in Kwande, the OPWS Commander mentioned ongoing clearance operations to root out suspected armed foreign bandits in the area but could not confirm the reported killings.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, acknowledged reports of people invading the forest in Kwande but stated she did not receive information regarding fatalities.
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