At least two people have been reportedly killed in a fresh attack by armed invaders on Atakpa community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. Residents said the incident occurred on Monday evening, barely 24 hours after attacks that claimed 14 lives in Edikwu Ankpali and other communities in neighbouring Apa LGA. A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victims were part of a search team looking for missing persons after earlier attacks.

“One of the victims was buried on Sunday. Attacks have been ongoing in communities bordering Apa and Agatu almost daily for the past three months,” the resident said. However, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, disputed the casualty figures.

She said no deaths were recorded. “Nobody was killed, but a stray bullet hit one person who is currently receiving treatment. “One person is missing, and a search is ongoing, while security operatives are trailing the perpetrators,” Edet said.