Security operations in Benue State have been significantly ramped up following a violent attack on farmers in the Apa Local Government Area. Authorities confirmed that six bodies have been recovered so far after gunmen ambushed laborers working on cashew plantations in the Asaba, Ojantele, and Okpette communities during the early hours of Friday, March 13, 2026.
According to a report shared with Reports by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the attackers, suspected to be armed herders, struck while the farmers were busy on their land. In the wake of the assault, a combined team of police officers, military personnel, and local youths mobilized quickly to comb the surrounding forests. Their ongoing mission is focused on both rescuing any survivors and tracking down the perpetrators responsible for the bloodshed.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, has addressed the situation by deploying additional personnel to the area to bolster the manhunt. This surge in security is intended to create a more synchronized response between the various agencies on the ground as they continue to search for victims who may still be missing in the dense terrain.
In addition to the search efforts, intensified patrols are now active across the affected settlements and neighboring regions. These measures are being taken to restore confidence among the residents and to act as a deterrent against further violence. The command has stressed its commitment to safeguarding lives and properties across the state during this tense period.
Law enforcement officials are urging the public to stay calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. They have also made a strong appeal for community members to cooperate with the security teams by sharing any credible information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
