Nigeria: Fresh Violent Attacks in Benue and Zamfara

Ten people have been killed in fresh attacks on four villages in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, resulting in hundreds of residents being displaced and taking shelter in the local government headquarters. The attacks occurred within three days, following the invasion of the Imana community where four people were killed last week. The victims of the Benue attacks, which killed 10 people in Ikobi Council Ward in Apa LGA, said the incidents happened a few days after the invasion of the Imana community where four people were killed last week.

Another incident in Zamfara State involved two police officers being gunned down when bandits attacked Zurmi town. Another set of bandits burned over 30 houses and scores of cattle during an attack in the Allawa community, Shiroro Local government area of Niger State. In Yobe State, three ISWAP fighters were killed by troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation Hadin Kai Sector 2 in Damaturu. The Nigerian Army said the terrorists were killed when troops responded to a report on the presence of terrorist elements at Maltari village near Kukareta, where they were reportedly extorting Zakat levies from community members.

The victims of the Benue attacks, who are now displaced, reported that nine dead bodies were recovered from the affected communities at the time they fled to take shelter at the Apa LGA headquarters in Ugbokpo. Governor Hyacinth Alia accused some indigenes of inviting herders from the Niger Republic, who are wreaking havoc in many communities. He appealed to the people of the state to remain calm, stressing that security agencies are ready to ensure the safety of all and sundry.