The Digest:
At least 15 villagers were killed on Friday when terrorists opened fire on residents harvesting cashew nuts in Ojantele community, Apa Local Government Area, Benue State. The victims, mostly women and youths from nearby communities including Asaba and Akpete, were gathering fallen cashew nuts after an overnight rainfall when attackers struck. A resident told journalists that 11 others sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital in Ugbokpo. Some villagers remain missing, including a woman allegedly abducted. Witnesses said assailants arrived with a large herd of cattle and began shooting sporadically as villagers fled. The Apa Local Government chairman confirmed the attack but had no full details. Police have not responded. The attack follows a March 6 incident in Kwande LGA where 13 were killed. Residents fear the violence will disrupt farming season and worsen food insecurity in Nigeria's food basket state.
Key Points
- 15 killed harvesting cashew in Benue; 11 injured.
- Victims mostly women, youths from nearby communities.
- Attackers arrived with cattle, shot sporadically.
- One woman abducted; several missing.
- Follows March 6 attack where 13 died in Kwande.
In Benue's fields, death came harvesting, 15 lives cut down gathering cashew, as farmers now fear planting season may sow only more graves.
Sources: Daily Trust, Residents
