Grief grips Benue community as nine herdsmen attack victims are buried

The Edikwu Ankpali people in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State are in mourning following the burial of nine residents killed in a recent attack by suspected herdsmen.

The community and family members have revealed the identities of the victims and bemoaned what they perceive as a high level of insecurity in rural areas.

The attack on the community which occurred on Monday has increased tensions in parts of Benue State.

Several communities and settlements in Apa LGA have repeatedly raised concerns over safety, with calls for stronger measures to curb the menace.

Those confirmed dead in the Ankpali Edikwu massacre include Elaigwu Pelu, 31; Oigene Ogah, 62; Adah Aboje, 78; Peter Omafu, 59; and John Peter Musa, 33.

Others are Ogagwu John, 31; Eluma Ogbeni, 30; John Elegbo, 39; and Gideon Monday, 29.

Many of the victims were family breadwinners, leaving behind children and dependents now facing an uncertain future.

Residents say the incident was beyond just the numbers killed, stressing that each victim played a vital role in the community.

On social media, users have expressed outrage, using hashtags to call for an end to the killings and improved security in Benue.

As burials have been concluded, attention has now shifted to authorities amid renewed demands for accountability and protection.

For many in Edikwu Ankpali, the pressing question is, “how many more lives must be lost before lasting security measures are implemented?”