Armed attackers suspected to be terrorists killed at least 15 villagers on Friday, March 13, 2026, during an assault on Ojantele community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
Witnesses said the victims—mostly women and youths from neighbouring communities including Asaba and Akpete—had gone into nearby bushes to harvest fallen cashew nuts following overnight rainfall.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on the group around Ogbaulu as residents gathered the nuts. Several others sustained injuries, while some villagers remain missing, including a woman allegedly abducted during the incident.
A witness, speaking anonymously to journalists in Makurdi by telephone, confirmed that at least 15 bodies had been recovered at the time of the report. Eleven other victims with varying degrees of injuries were taken to a hospital in Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa LGA, for treatment.
The attackers were said to have arrived in the area with a large herd of cattle and began shooting sporadically, causing panic as villagers returning from their farms fled for safety.
The Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adams Ochega, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation but said he was yet to receive comprehensive details as he was away on official duty. He appealed for time to gather accurate information.
As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, had not responded to calls and text messages seeking comment.
The attack adds to the ongoing security challenges in parts of Benue State, where communities continue to face violence linked to suspected herder-farmer clashes and banditry.
