Rampaging Bandits Claim One Life, Injure Another in Benue State Attack

In a harrowing incident, bandits have struck once again, claiming the life of one individual and leaving another wounded in the Ikobi community of Apa Local Government Area, Benue State. This tragic event follows closely on the heels of a similar attack just last week, where four lives were mercilessly taken in the same locality.

According to an anonymous local resident, who spoke out of fear for their safety, the victims fell prey to the assailants while journeying home between Ikobi and Oloba villages on Monday. The deceased, identified as Aminu Akanu, had recently returned from Lagos to visit his elderly widowed mother, only to meet his untimely demise. Recounting the incident, the source revealed, “He came from Lagos recently to see his mother. His father, a police officer, died some years ago.” Akanu had reportedly visited the local government headquarters in Ugbokpo before being ambushed at Oloba.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the victims were shot around 5 pm, with one managing to escape albeit with gunshot wounds. The situation escalated further as the bandits reportedly proceeded to Akpete village, setting homes ablaze.

Confirming the grim reality of the attack, Eche Ikobi, Chairman of the Apa Development Association, recounted that the victims were riding a motorcycle back to the village when they came under fire. “One died on the spot while the other person escaped with gunshot wounds. He is receiving treatment as we speak,” Ikobi affirmed.

Meanwhile, Abu Umoru, the House of Assembly member representing Apa State Constituency, acknowledged the assaults and assured that soldiers had intervened to repel the assailants. However, efforts to reach Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the state command, proved futile as calls went unanswered at the time of reporting on Tuesday.