The Nigeria Police on Monday confirmed the killing of 13 villagers by unknown gunmen in Edikwu District, Apa Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
Benue State Police Spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Catherine Anene, said in a statement in the State capital, Makurdi, the area had over time experienced incessant crisis over chieftaincy tussle until the State government intervened and peace returned in the community.
Saying that the attackers remained unknown, the Police Spokesperson said that investigations has already commenced into the matter.
According to her, “Edikwu district, Ukpogbo, in Apa LGA was experiencing incessant crises over chieftaincy affairs until May 25 when the Benue government convened a peace meeting, headed by the Deputy Governor, Mr Benson Abounu, to put an end to the rancour.
“Peace was restored to the area but on Aug. 10, at about 04:00hrs, information was received that about 20 armed men invaded the community and shot sporadically at members of the community. A team of police officers were deployed to the scene where 13 corpses were recovered. Investigation is still in progress.”
A resident of the community who preferred anonymity stated that the attack on Edikwu community was unprovoked, adding, “the unknown gunmen stormed the community at the early of hours of today, shooting sporadically and burning down houses, leaving many people dead while others are still missing.”
