At least two persons, including a pastor, have been reportedly killed following fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Apa Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State.

The two-day incursion also left several residents injured, while many others fled their homes for fear of being killed.

The affected communities in the renewed attacks included Oiji, Ojantelle and Edikwu where residents were said to have been thrown into panic as gunmen stormed the areas, shooting sporadically.

A local source disclosed that the attackers invaded Edikwu Icho on Sunday at about 1:45pm, catching residents unawares and causing pandemic in the community.

“As the people ran, they laid ambush and killed two persons. A pastor who was returning from church was among those killed in the ambush,” the eyewitness said.

He identified the second victim as Ngbede, a resident of Edikwu who was allegedly shot dead at close range by the armed men during the attack.

The source further disclosed that the attackers struck again on Monday, this time targeting Oiji community. However, he said the assailants were repelled by local youths with support from security personnel in the area.

“And today Monday they launched another attack on Oiji but met stiff resistance from the youths of the area who were supported by local security personnel,” he said.

According to the local source, some women were allegedly raped during the attacks, while several injured victims were evacuated to a hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.

The Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adams Ocheiga, confirmed the incidents, stating that two persons were ambushed and killed on Sunday in Edikwu Ward 11.

“Two people were ambushed and killed at Edikwu Ward 11 yesterday, while Oiji was attacked this morning but repelled immediately by vigilant youths,” Ocheiga said.

He noted that the council was working with security agencies to forestall further attacks and restore calm in the affected communities.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. (Vanguard)