Gunmen kill soldier, more than 14 people in Benue

At least 15 people, including a military officer, were killed in a shooting by gunmen who are thought to be members of a herdsmen militia in Benue State’s Opaha community, Edikwu Ward 2, in Apa Local Government Area.

The slain soldier was the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in that region, a resident of the community told news reporters in Makurdi.

The State Commissioner of Finance, David Olofu, resides in the village of Opaha.

Over 15 people, including an army officer, were killed, according to Olofu, who confirmed the incident.

“Yes, they simply went to my community and killed people without provocation; there were over 15 fatalities there, including the Commander of OPWS.

“As far as I know, there was no problem. That location borders the Gwer West LGA, and every community along that axis has experienced repeated attacks.

“The attackers arrived in this peaceful community around 4 pm; the residents don’t look for anyone’s trouble.” The entire community has been fired as I speak with you right now.

“There have been harvests of killings along that axis since the beginning of this year, and the locations are deserted. People are unable to do anything, including going to their farms. They continue to live there while you enter and kill 15 people in a single day, including the military personnel stationed there to protect the area.

What else can we do if we send the military and they are killed, who else are we going to send beyond the military, he asked. “If the military can just be killed like that, then what about the people.

He pointed out that Umuogidi community, where over 50 people were killed earlier this month, is 10 kilometers from Opaha village and said the military has been stationed there to maintain law and order.

The Finance Commissioner stated that the three levels of government need to come together and have a policy on the matter, “that you cannot just come and kill somebody and get away with it and nothing happens to anybody,” noting that the situation goes beyond an individual, the community, the LG, and the state.

“It is so heartbreaking that all of these things are taking place despite all of your efforts to do what you can to help the people. That’s sad.

The OPWS Commander had visited the attack site, according to Flight Lt Flogh Oquoh, the operation’s public relations officer.

Additionally, SP Catherine Anene, the State Police Command’s spokeswoman, confirmed the report but stated that she was awaiting more information.