Several people have been feared killed following a deadly attack by suspected armed herders on communities in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday, March 13, 2026, targeted farmers working in their plantations across Asaba, Ojantele, and Okpette communities along the Abuja–Otukpo road.
According to reports, the gunmen stormed the areas and opened fire on residents and farmers, leaving many dead while several others were reported missing.
Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adams Ogwola, confirmed the incident on Friday but said the exact number of casualties could not immediately be determined.
However, the Benue State Police Command said six bodies had been recovered so far following a joint security operation launched in response to the attack.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the command said the attack occurred while farmers were working on their cashew farms when the armed men struck.
The police disclosed that a joint response team comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, military personnel, and local youths swiftly moved into nearby forests to begin search and rescue operations while also tracking the attackers.
During the initial operation, six lifeless bodies were recovered, while efforts are ongoing to locate other victims who may still be missing.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ifeanyi Emenari, assured residents that additional security personnel have been deployed to reinforce operations and ensure a coordinated manhunt for those responsible for the killings.
Security patrols have also been intensified across the affected communities and surrounding areas to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of the commitment of security agencies to protecting lives and property.
The police urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.