At least seven people, including a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have been killed in separate attacks by armed invaders in two Local Government Areas of Benue State.
Our correspondent reports that the incidents occurred on Tuesday in Mbatsada communities of Mbalom and Mbasombo council wards in Gwer East LGA, and Tse Gever Nasemya community of Makurdi LGA.
Locals identified the slain APC chieftain as Akaabo Johnson who was killed alongside three others in Mbasombo ward of Gwer East, while three more victims were hacked to death in Makurdi, taking the total death toll to seven.
Witnesses said the attackers laid siege to the communities of Gwer East around 4:35pm shooting indiscriminately, which led to the fatalities.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Timothy Adi, described the attack as tragic and unprovoked as he expressed concern that such violence was still occurring despite the peaceful disposition of residents engaged in farming activities.
Adi disclosed that personnel of the Nigerian Army accompanied him to assess the situation and secure the area’s boundaries to prevent further attacks.
He confirmed that four bodies were recovered and deposited at St. Gregory Hospital mortuary in the area.
The council chairman commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his prompt response, which facilitated the rapid deployment of security forces to the affected areas.
“I thank the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their swift action. I urge residents, especially the youth, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements,” he said.
Adi assured that the local council would continue collaborating with security agencies to restore peace and safeguard residents.
Police spokesperson for Benue command, CSP Catherine Anene, said she was not yet briefed on the incident.
“Sorry, I don’t have this information at the moment,” she responded to our correspondent in a WhatsApp message. (Daily trust)
