In the volatile Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, the Ikobi-Olegogba road has earned a grim reputation as a corridor of death. For residents of Ikobi, Olegogba, and neighbouring communities, travelling along this axis has become a life-threatening gamble. Repeated attacks by suspected armed herdsmen continue to claim lives, displace families, and leave behind grieving relatives and abandoned farmlands.
Over the past months, no fewer than 45 residents have reportedly been killed in separate attacks along the road and in surrounding communities. The latest wave of violence has intensified fear and frustration among locals, who say they have been left at the mercy of the attackers with little meaningful intervention from the state government.
Among those reportedly killed are: Yakubu Ekani, Anebi Otafu, Sabo Aduba, Haruna Ali Ogoh, Adam Antenyi, Oyigocho Oche, Edoh Ogah, Echewija Ojegbo, Oliver Ochume, Shadrach Sule, Otene Stephen, Echehanya Ogah, Awa Ocho, Alhaji Atungu, Ocho Ondo, Oseni Sani, Oche Patrick, Innocent Ocho, Adam Inalegwu, Joseph Adanu, John Jack, Ocheche Adah, Ananu Eluma, Ochefije Ikpeh, Sani Ngbede, Judge Emmanuel, Ogboyi Paul, Saidu Mathew, Ibrahim Abogbe, Edor Baba, Otikwu Ojiji, Akanu Aminu Ahilo, Ochoyo Sunday, Sunday Isaac, Ochoyoda Michael, Ngbede Michael, Jimoh Ajeoda, Adebo Obiabio, Joseph Gowon Obiabio, Imewa Audu, Isah Idris, and Ojama Emmanuel Emie.
Community leaders have voiced deep disappointment over the government’s response. One resident lamented: “It is unfortunate that despite the repeated killings of our people, the response from the state government has not matched the scale of the tragedy. We have continued to bury our people while many communities live in fear and uncertainty.”
The attacks have not only claimed lives but have also forced many families to abandon their homes and farms, disrupting livelihoods in an area already grappling with insecurity. As the death toll rises, calls for urgent security measures and justice for the victims grow louder.
The full details of these incidents and the plight of affected communities continue to unfold, underscoring the urgent need for sustained action to restore peace and safety along Benue’s troubled roads.
