- At least 14 people, including a Mobile Police officer, were killed in coordinated attacks on communities in Benue State across Apa Local Government Area and Otukpo Local Government Area
- Local officials confirmed that suspected armed herders invaded multiple villages between Friday and Sunday, killing residents and forcing many to flee
- Security authorities, including the Nigerian police and military operations under Operation Hadin Kai, intensified responses as survivors reported mass casualties and missing persons
At least 14 people, including a Mobile Police officer, have been killed in a series of violent incidents across parts of Nigeria, with fresh attacks reported in parts of Benue State and a separate airstrike incident in Borno State sparking renewed concern over insecurity.
In Benue State, suspected armed herders launched coordinated attacks between Friday and Sunday on communities in Ikobi, Adija, Edikwu-Ankpali, and Upu, located within Apa Local Government Area and Otukpo Local Government Area.
Sources said the attackers first struck Ikobi and Adija on Friday, killing three residents. The violence escalated on Sunday evening when armed assailants reportedly invaded Edikwu-Ankpali, leaving about 10 people dead. Residents described scenes of panic as gunmen shot indiscriminately, forcing many to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
A community resident, who gave his name as Ameh, said several people remained missing following the attack. According to him, local youths later recovered multiple bodies while search efforts continued into Monday. He said the assault had left the community in fear and uncertainty, with many families abandoning their homes.
Confirming the incidents, the Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adam Ochega, stated that nine people were killed in Edikwu-Ankpali, while one person each died in Ikobi and Adija. Security presence has since been increased in affected areas.
In a separate incident on Saturday, a Mobile Police officer was killed in Upu in Otukpo Local Government Area while responding to a distress call involving suspected armed herders. The Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the officer died during a gun duel as security operatives attempted to repel the attackers.
He added that additional police personnel had been deployed to restore calm and prevent further attacks in surrounding communities.
The violence comes despite ongoing security operations in the region, including directives for a coordinated crackdown on banditry across Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States.
Meanwhile, in a separate tragedy in the north-east, survivors of an airstrike in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State recounted harrowing experiences following a military operation linked to the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, coordinated with the Nigerian Air Force.
Victims, receiving treatment in Maiduguri, described multiple bombing runs that struck a local market during evening trading hours. Some survivors claimed dozens were killed, while others insisted the marketplace remained a civilian trading hub for livestock.
One survivor said jets returned repeatedly during the strike, while another described confusion and panic as people tried to escape. The market, according to residents, serves as a key economic lifeline for surrounding communities.
Authorities have previously stated that the area had been linked to insurgent activity, though survivors insist it functions as a normal livestock trading centre.
The twin incidents underscore Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, with both the north-central and north-east regions continuing to experience deadly attacks despite intensified military and police operations.