‘No Action by Security Despite Prior Warnings,’ — Resident
By Ekani Olikita and Mike Odeh James
(Makurdi) — Residents of three Christian communities in Central Nigeria’s Benue State are mourning after coordinated weekend attacks killed 12, raising fears of worsening insecurity.
The violence, which took place between April 10 and April 12, targeted Christian farming communities in Apa and Agatu Counties (local government areas), regions that have faced repeated attacks by Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM).
Residents say the assailants, described as heavily armed Fulani ethnic militia, often struck when villagers were most vulnerable.
The most severe attack was launched Sunday evening in Edikwu-Ankpali village, where at least 10 people were killed and several others injured or missing.
Dozens of attackers arrived on motorcycles around 6:30 p.m., shortly after many residents had returned from church services, witnesses told TruthNigeria.
“The attackers were well armed Fulani terrorists as they were heard speaking Fufulde and shouting Allahu Akbar, came from different directions, shooting continuously,” said one.
“We had already alerted security forces after noticing suspicious movements earlier, but no one came”, Bernard Ekah, a community and political leader of Edikwu-Ankpali Community told TruthNigeria.
Another resident, Inalegwu Jacob, described the scale of the attack.
“There were more than 60 attackers on over 30 motorcycles. People were running in every direction. Some were shot in their homes, others while trying to escape,”
“We counted ten bodies, but many are still missing”, he told TruthNigeria.
Local officials said at least five injured victims are receiving treatment in nearby Ugbokpo, while search efforts continue for missing residents.
The attack revived painful memories of a similar raid in June 2025, when more than two dozen people were killed in the same community.
Earlier Killings in Ikobi and Ayele
Two days before the Edikwu-Ankpali deadly attack (Friday April 10, 2026), violence struck Ikobi, another community in Apa, where a farmer identified as Anyebe Shuaibu was shot and killed on his way to his farm.
“There was no warning, just gunshots. People are now afraid to go to their farms”, Emmanuel Ochekwu, Ikobi Community Youth Leader told TruthNigeria.
That same day, a separate incident in Ayele community in neighboring Agatu County claimed the life of another farmer, Aminu Shaibu.
“We are living in fear. Our farms are no longer safe, and without farming, we cannot survive”, Stephen Oche, a resident of Ayele Community lamented in a phone interview with TruthNigeria.
Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood in the region, and repeated attacks have disrupted planting seasons, raising concerns about food security.
Rising Death Toll
The latest killings bring the number of reported deaths in Benue State to 32 within a week.
Earlier incidents included an attack on April 4 in Gwer East that killed 17 Christians who gathered for a church vigil followed by killing of one in nearby Ikpayongo Community, Gwer-East and four more in Imande Community, Guma County the following days.
Community leaders say the pattern suggests a sustained campaign of violence targeting rural Christian populations.
According to the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, armed Fulani groups have been linked to nearly 24,000 civilian deaths in recent years, underscoring the scale of the crisis
Security Failures
Across affected communities, residents expressed frustration over what they describe as delayed or absent security response.
“We made calls and sent distress messages to nearby security units, but no help came,” Adakole Adanu, a resident of Edikwu-Ankpali told TruthNigeria
The perceived lack of protection has deepened distrust in authorities and left many residents feeling vulnerable.
Escalating Crisis
Security analysts say the attacks reflect broader structural challenges, including limited rural security presence and relentless attacks by armed Fulani terrorists on predominantly Christian Middle Belt region.
Retired Air Force officer and security analyst, Group Captain Sani Sylvester, said the situation could deteriorate further without quick intervention.
“What we are seeing is a combination of weak security coverage, delayed response, and unresolved ethnic and religious tensions. If these issues are not addressed, the violence is likely to intensify”, he told TruthNigeria.
He added that the attackers’ use of motorcycles and coordinated tactics points to a level of organization that complicates response efforts.
Growing Humanitarian Concerns
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the attacks are driving displacement and economic hardship.
Some families have fled their homes, while others remain but live in constant fear. With farming disrupted, local food supplies are increasingly at risk.
Christian Community leaders are calling for stronger security measures to protect civilians and restore stability.
A Region on Edge
For many residents, the violence has become a persistent reality.
“We don’t sleep at night anymore,” said one Edikwu-Ankpali resident. “Every sound makes us afraid. Many people have already left, and we don’t know when they will return.”
As attacks continue and fear spreads, residents say they are still waiting for meaningful protection before the next assault occurs.
Ekani Olikita and Mike Odeh James are conflict Reporters for TruthNigeria.
