Two soldiers and fifteen villagers have been reportedly killed in an attack by gunmen on three communities of Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to residents the attacks happened simultaneously at about 6pm on Tuesday in Opaha, Odogbo and Edikwu communities in the local government area.
One of the residents identified as Kole, said 17 bodies including those of two soldiers of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) were recovered from nearby bushes in the early hours of Wednesday after security operatives combed the area.
He said one of the deceased soldiers was the commander of the unit which confronted the armed invaders in their bid to repel the attacks.
The Chairman of Apa Development Association, Eche Akpoko, also confirmed the attacks.
Akpoko said, at the time of his contact with the community, 10 dead bodies including two soldiers were already recovered and said he was awaiting further details.
State Commissioner of Finance, David Olofu, who hails from Opaha, one of the villages attacked confirmed,that the bodies of 15 villagers and two soldiers were recovered on Wednesday morning.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the attacks saying an army officer and more than 10 people were killed with several persons reported missing.
The Command’s spokesperson, Catherine
Anene, said the attack took place on Tuesday evening and said they were still gathering further details.
