Security agencies have deployed additional personnel to Ojantele and Okpette communities in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State following a deadly attack by suspected armed herders.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.

According to the police, six bodies have so far been recovered after the attack, which occurred on Friday while farmers were reportedly working on their farms.

Edet said joint security teams comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the military and local youths immediately launched search-and-rescue operations in nearby forests to locate victims and track down the attackers.

“At the end of the initial operation, six lifeless bodies were recovered. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of residents in the affected communities,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, assured residents that reinforcements had been deployed to strengthen security operations in the area.

He said security operatives were intensifying patrols across the affected communities and surrounding areas to prevent further attacks.

“The Commissioner of Police has sent reinforcements to facilitate a more thorough and coordinated operation in the affected forests with the aim of tracking down those responsible for the attack,” the statement added.

However, residents claimed that the death toll could be higher.

Some community members said about 15 people were feared killed, while several others sustained injuries and many remain missing.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the attackers arrived with large herds of cattle before opening fire on villagers returning from their cashew farms.

“It was an unprovoked attack. The armed herders came with cattle and started shooting at innocent people returning from their farms,” the source said.

According to the resident, at least 15 bodies had been recovered locally, while 11 injured victims were evacuated to a hospital in Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa Local Government Area.

Another resident, Abu Abel, also confirmed the incident, describing the attack as unprovoked and devastating.

“Our community is now deserted. We are calling on the government to come to our aid because there is no security in the area,” he said.

When contacted, the Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adams Ochega, confirmed the attack but said he was yet to receive a full report on the incident.

“Yes, there was an attack on Ojantele community, but I am currently away on an official trip. By tomorrow evening I should have more information,” he said.

Apa Local Government Area is among the communities in Benue State frequently affected by attacks linked to armed herders, which have continued to raise security concerns in the region.