Suspected Fulani cattle rustlers have reportedly attacked Okpafie community in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, killing two persons and rustling more than 40 cows.

The attack was said to have occurred on Tuesday night at Oyilawu village in Okonobo Ward.

Residents said one of the victims, identified as Benjamin, a native of Okpafie, was killed during the assault, while the attackers allegedly made away with over 40 cows.

A local source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that many of the community’s youths were watching a football match when the gunmen struck, delaying any immediate response.

According to the source, the attackers had already fled with the cattle before the youths mobilised.

The source further alleged that a member of the local vigilante was also killed at Aidogodo while attempting to stop the assailants from escaping with the rustled livestock.

DAILY POST recalls that this incident comes after suspected armed herders attacked Sai community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, where several people were feared killed, many others injured and houses set ablaze, forcing residents to flee.

Authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure for that attack.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the latest attack in Okpokwu.

A 43-year-old operative of the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, identified as Stanley Emeni, has been killed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

DAILY POST reports that the deceased was killed during a joint operation by security operatives to rescue Mr Tuesday Osemeke, a 60-year-old farmer abducted by kidnappers in Igbanke, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the State.

The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police  Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, July 2, 2026 in Benin City.

Ikoedem said the State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, in company with

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Innocent Nkeamatara, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased.

She explained that on June 26, 2026, operatives of Igbanke Division, in collaboration with operatives of ESSC, hunters and members of the Community Safety Partnership, launched an aggressive bush-combing operation following the abduction of a 60-year-old farmer, Mr. Tuesday Osemeke by suspected kidnappers.

According to her, the coordinated operation led to the successful rescue of the victim unharmed following a gun duel with his abductors who fled with gunshot injuries.

“During the operation, Mr. Stanley Emenin sustained gunshot injuries while courageously confronting the criminals. Sadly, despite efforts to save his life, he later succumbed to his injuries on Monday 29/6/2026 at the Hospital,” the police spokesperson said.

Ikoedem added that during the visit

to the bereaved family at Idumodu Community, Igbanke, the police  commissioner described the late Stanley Emenin as a brave, selfless and patriotic community protector whose courage and commitment to the safety of others will never be forgotten.

Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner of Police also expressed the heartfelt condolences of the officers and men of the Edo State Police Command to the deceased’s family, friends, and the entire Igbanke community.

While praying that God grants the family  the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, he reassured the family and members of the community that the sacrifice of the fallen vigilante would not be in vain.

“The memory of the late Stanley Emenin remains a shining example of patriotism and selfless service that will continue to inspire all those committed to protecting lives and property,” he added.

Agbonika stressed that the command remains resolute in its determination to rid Edo State of criminal elements

He also disclosed that the command has already reviewed aspects of its Community Safety Partnership operational framework with a view to strengthening collaboration, enhancing operational planning, improving intelligence sharing, and implementing additional safety measures.

He said the measures are aimed at reducing casualties among personnel and community volunteers involved in joint security operations.

The death toll from the communal crisis in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State has risen from 10 to 18 following fresh attacks linked to the lingering land dispute allegedly between Fulani and Kamuku communities in the area.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said “the crisis is linked to a longstanding dispute between the two tribes”.

According to him, a report received on June 30 indicated that at about 11:30 p.m. on June 29, armed men invaded Godoro village in Katako District and shot dead 25-year-old Ibrahim Musa.

He explained that the killing sparked a reprisal attack by members of a local vigilante group, popularly known as Yansakai, who blocked a road and killed 28-year-old Bashir Mazi.

Abiodun further disclosed that another report received at about 10 p.m. on July 1 revealed that 15 people were burnt to death inside a two-bedroom apartment at Angwan-Baago, via Godoro village, while another person was killed at a separate location, bringing the total number of deaths in the crisis to 18.

He said the attacks are believed to be connected to the protracted land dispute between the affected communities.

The police spokesman added that a reconciliation committee headed by officials of the Rafi Local Government Council is working with community leaders and security agencies to restore peace.

He said joint police and military patrols have been intensified across the affected communities to prevent further attacks, maintain law and order, and ensure the protection of lives and property, while investigations into the incidents are ongoing.