BREAKING: Identities Of Nine Residents Killed In Fresh Benue Attack Revealed As Community Buries Victims

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Community sources told SaharaReporters that the victims, mostly fathers and primary providers, were brutally killed on Sunday night, leaving behind shattered families and deepening fears over the persistent wave of violence in the area.

The identities of about nine residents of Edikwu Ankpali in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State who were killed in a fresh attack by suspected terrorists have been identified.

“This isn’t farming but burial,” one source lamented while sharing the video of the burial ground. “Before we move on like people of zero empathy, these are the details that must be put out for the world to see.”

The community residents insisted that those killed were known members of the community with families, responsibilities, and futures abruptly cut short.

Among them was 31-year-old Elaigwu Pelu, described as a young father of four who had struggled to build a life despite losing his own parents early.

Also killed was Oigene Ogah, 62, a family patriarch who was responsible for a household of 15 children, and Adah Aboje, 78, an elderly man remembered for raising 35 children and touching multiple generations within the community.

Others included Peter Omafu, 59, a father of 13 regarded as a pillar in his home, and John Peter Musa, 33, who was raising two young children. Ogagwu John, 31, a father of three, and Eluma Ogbeni, 30, who catered for four children, were also among the victims.

The list further included John Elegbo, 39, a father of five, and Gideon Monday, 29, described as the only son of his parents and “their hope and continuity.”

Residents said the killings have left entire households shattered, with many families now facing an uncertain future without their primary providers.

“The world needs to understand that these are not just numbers,” the community member said. “These are fathers, sons, and leaders whose absence will be felt for generations.”

The latest attack comes days after about 11 people were also killed at Mbatsaida community in the state.

When SaharaReporters visited the area, the once-bustling agrarian settlement had been completely deserted due to the recent attack which happened on April 4, 2026.

Homes stood empty, farmlands abandoned, and signs of hurried escape were evident across the community.

Displaced residents have now taken refuge in a neighbouring settlement identified as Agena community, where they struggle daily for survival.

Speaking during the visit, the village head, Chief Gbakaa Lorpine, recounted a long history of violence, alleging that repeated warnings to authorities were ignored, allowing the attacks to persist over the years.

According to him, the crisis dates back over a decade.

“This issue started long ago, since 2014. We were first attacked by herdsmen on March 24, 2014. It happened in the morning, around 6:20 a.m,” he said.

“The attackers invaded the community, shooting repeatedly and killing 15 people. Several others were injured and taken to the hospital.”

He insisted the violence was unprovoked, blaming it on disputes over grazing activities that had long been reported to authorities without response.

Describing the latest attack, the village head said it occurred in the early evening and caught residents completely off guard.

“The attack happened on April 4 at about 5:12 p.m. I do not know exactly where the attackers came from. They did not use motorcycles or vehicles. They entered through the marketplace and started shooting. Eleven people were killed, and several others were wounded,” he said.

He narrowly escaped death during the incident.

“At the time, I was in my house. I had to run into the bush wearing only my underwear. I could not go back inside to pick up any clothing because of the attack.”