Scores killed as bandits sack 9 Benue communities

Approximately nine communities in the Apa Local Government Area of Benue State have fallen victim to marauding bandits, who have left a trail of death and destruction by setting homes ablaze.

Survivors of the onslaught have fled their homes, rendering the affected communities abandoned and lonely as the attacks, which commenced a few days ago, continue unabated.

While local sources estimate the casualties at around 25, Abu Umoru, the representative of the area in the state Assembly, expressed difficulty in tallying the exact number of lives lost.

Umoru painted a grim picture of the situation, revealing that an alarming 95 percent of communities in the local government area have been emptied due to relentless attacks.

He lamented, “Every day, they are burning homes, laying ambushes, and claiming lives. The scale of devastation is immense.”

Umoru’s concern extended beyond the immediate communities, noting how the crisis has affected him personally, leading to health complications necessitating medical attention.

The lawmaker’s frustration was palpable as he questioned the efficacy of governmental responses and expressed a sense of helplessness in the face of ongoing violence.

Despite inquiries, the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, provided no information on the attacks, while attempts to reach the state government for comment were unsuccessful.

As the crisis deepens and lives hang in the balance, the residents of Benue State grapple with a sense of abandonment and uncertainty, with little recourse for assistance or relief.