Commander of the Nigerian Army peace-keeping force, codenamed Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in Apa Local Council of Benue State and 14 other persons have been killed by suspected herdsmen in Opaha Community in Edikwu. THE GUARDIAN reports.
The Guardian gathered that the gunmen invaded the community at about 7:20 p.m. on Tuesday in an attack that dragged into yesterday morning.
👉 Relocate to Canada Today!
Live, Study and Work in Canada. No Payment is Required! Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to CanadaA resident, Isah Daniel, said the community was deserted as a result of the attack, while the wounded were taken to a private clinic in Ugbokpo and Adoka.Information Guide Nigeria
“As I talk to you, we don’t know the location of many people because everyone ran away, as the attackers invaded the community at night,” he said.
Other Top Stories:
Opaha is the hometown of House of Assembly member representing Apa Constituency, Abu Umoro, and the Commissioner for Finance, David Olofu.
The commissioner described the attack as ‘unprovoked’, saying that over 15 persons were killed, including an army officer.
“Yes, they just went to my community and killed over 15 people, including the commander of OPWS in that area.
“This is a peaceful community. The attackers went to the community around 4.00p.m. As I talk to you, the whole community has been sacked,” the commissioner said.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of OPWS, Flight-Lt. Flogh Oquoh, told newsmen that the commander was killed at the scene of the attack.NYSC Portal
👉 Relocate to Canada Today!
Live, Study and Work in Canada. No Payment is Required! Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to CanadaAlso, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack.
This is the third time communities in Apa would be attacked in recent weeks.
Also, gunmen killed six persons in Farin Lamba community of Jos South Local Council of Plateau State on Tuesday night.
The attackers were reportedly searching for illegal miners when they ran into the victims and started shooting. Six died instantly, while others sustained injuries.
The gunshots were said to have caused a lot of confusion and apprehension among the people.
A source told The Guardian, yesterday, the government had been warning people to desist from illegal mining activities, adding that there was a time the place was locked down for some time with security operatives.
As the government relaxed security at the place, illegal mining resumed.
But the residents of Riyom came out yesterday in their numbers and barricaded the road to protest against the killings, thereby, cutting access to the Abuja/Jos Road, motorists stranded.JAMB Result
This development continued for almost two hours until security personnel arrived and prevailed on the people to leave.
