The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of six bodies following an attack on cashew farmers by suspected armed herders in Apa Local Government Area of the state.
Police said the incident occurred on Wednesday in the communities of Asaba, Ojantele, and Okpette, where the victims were reportedly working on their farms when the assailants struck.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, said joint security teams comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the military, and local youths from the affected communities immediately launched a search and rescue operation in nearby forests after the attack.
According to the statement, the teams recovered six bodies during the operation.
“Joint security teams comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the military, and local youths from the affected communities immediately mobilized into the forest to carry out search and rescue operations and recovered six bodies,” the statement said.
The police added that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of residents in the affected communities.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, assured the public that additional reinforcements have been deployed to strengthen ongoing operations in the forests around the area.
He said the operation is aimed at tracking down those responsible for the attack and preventing further violence.
The police chief also urged residents to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist in the ongoing investigation and security operations.