Conflicting Reports Emerge Over Casualties Following Fresh Armed Invasion In Benue State

Benue State Police dispute resident claims of two deaths in Atakpa, confirming instead one injury and one missing person following an armed attack.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 3:44 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Naija News

Reports Of Fatalities In Atakpa Community

Armed invaders launched a fresh assault on the Atakpa community within the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday evening. Local residents have reported that at least two people lost their lives during the incursion, which occurred just one day after a separate attack claimed 14 lives in neighboring Apa Local Government Area. The victims were allegedly part of a civilian search party that had been looking for individuals reported missing during previous bouts of violence in the region.

Persistent Insecurity Along Bordering Local Councils

The latest incident highlights a pattern of ongoing violence that has plagued communities bordering the Apa and Agatu local government areas for approximately three months. According to local sources, invasions have become a near daily occurrence, forcing residents into a state of constant vigilance. One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the frequency of these attacks has created a persistent climate of insecurity, with burials for victims of earlier raids becoming a regular necessity.

Police Command Contradicts Resident Claims

The Benue State Police Command has officially disputed the reports of deaths resulting from the Monday evening attack. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, stated that no fatalities were recorded during the incident. Instead, the Command reported that a stray bullet struck one individual who is currently receiving medical treatment. This discrepancy between official police statements and local accounts remains a point of tension as the community assesses the impact of the raid.