The Benue State Police Command has stepped up security operations following a deadly attack on farmers in Apa Local Government Area, where six bodies have been recovered so far.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the command said the attack happened in the early hours of March 13, 2026. Suspected armed herders reportedly invaded cashew farms in the communities of Asaba, Ojantele, and Okpette while farmers were working on their plantations.
According to the police, a joint security response team made up of operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, military personnel, and local youths quickly moved into nearby forests to begin search and rescue operations aimed at locating victims and tracking down the attackers.
The statement disclosed that six lifeless bodies were found during the initial operation, while security agencies continue efforts to secure the affected communities and locate other victims who may still be missing.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ifeanyi Emenari, assured residents that more security personnel have been deployed to reinforce the ongoing operations and ensure a coordinated manhunt for those responsible for the killings.
Security patrols have also been intensified in the affected communities and other parts of the state to prevent further violence and reassure residents of the commitment of security agencies to protect lives and property.
The police further appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security agencies by providing useful information that could assist in the ongoing operations.
