More than 10 residents are feared dead following a brutal late-night attack on Ankpali community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, marking another grim chapter in the state’s ongoing struggle with insecurity. The assault took place on Sunday night, April 12, 2026, when armed Fulani militia stormed the village under cover of darkness, opening fire indiscriminately and triggering widespread panic. Many families fled their homes in fear, while several individuals remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continue.
Residents described the attackers as heavily armed and well-coordinated, moving swiftly through the settlement and targeting homes and civilians. The violence left the community in deep mourning, with survivors traumatized by the sudden and violent loss of loved ones. Displaced families have since sought refuge in neighbouring villages and safer areas, adding to the humanitarian strain in the region.
This attack is not isolated. Last year, 13 people were killed in the same village by suspected Fulani herdsmen, highlighting a disturbing pattern of recurring violence in the area. The persistent insecurity has left residents living in constant fear, unable to access their farms or homes without risking their lives. The lack of adequate protection from security agencies has further fueled frustration and despair among the local population.
Chief Hon. Pst Ojotu Ojema, the lawmaker representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, condemned the killings as “barbaric, senseless and a tragic reminder of the persistent security challenges” facing the region. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Edikwu-Ankpali community. Ojema stressed that it is unacceptable for citizens to live in fear and called on security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to end the killings.
He urged the Federal Government to address the root causes of insecurity and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. Ojema emphasized that the situation has persisted for too long without a lasting solution and demanded stronger intervention from national security forces. In a separate statement, Hon. Barr. Joy Okpainmo Ameh sympathized with the people of Edikwu-Ankpali, describing the incident as a “gruesome massacre.” She condemned the repeated attacks allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen and called on the government to take concrete steps to end the violence.
Ameh urged residents to remain united during this difficult period and extended her condolences to the families of the victims. As search efforts continue and the death toll remains uncertain, the incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and sustained government action to protect vulnerable communities in Benue State. The people of Ankpali and surrounding areas now await justice and lasting peace.
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