AGATU, Nigeria – At least two people have been reportedly killed
in a fresh attack by armed invaders on Atakpa community in Agatu Local
Government Area of Benue State, according to local residents.
The incident occurred on the evening of April
13, 2026, barely 24 hours after attacks that claimed 14 lives in Edikwu Ankpali
and neighboring communities in Apa LGA, residents said.
A local source, speaking on condition of
anonymity, stated that the victims were part of a search team looking for
missing persons from earlier attacks. “One of the victims was buried on Sunday.
Attacks have been ongoing in communities bordering Apa and Agatu almost daily
for the past three months,” the resident said.
However, the Benue State Police Public
Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, disputed the casualty figures, stating that
no deaths were recorded. “Nobody was killed, but a stray bullet hit one person
who is currently receiving treatment. One person is missing, and a search is
ongoing, while security operatives are trailing the perpetrators,” Edet said.
The discrepancy between local accounts and official police statements remains unresolved.
