Tears As One Family Buries 11 Members Killed By Suspected Herdsmen In Benue

It was a scene of tears and anguish on Monday morning as a grieving family in Edikwu Ankpali, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, laid to rest eleven of its members killed in a brutal attack by suspected herdsmen.

The assailants stormed the community on Sunday evening, opening fire on residents and killing more than 25 people. Several others were reportedly abducted during the assault.

The attack, which residents say lasted for hours, occurred without any intervention from security operatives, further deepening fears over worsening insecurity in the region.

Edikwu is located just a few kilometres from Ugbokpo, the administrative headquarters of Apa LGA.

Reacting to the tragedy, a member of the bereaved family, Ben Ekah, described the ordeal as the darkest moment for the community.

“Burying 11 family members in my village, Ankpali, Apa LGA, is the most agonizing moment for us. We are completely overwhelmed and devastated. Many are in the hospital, and thousands have fled the community,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, efforts to get a response from the Benue State Police Command have so far been unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, Edet Udeme, has not responded to multiple messages seeking comment.