At least 43 people have been killed as suspected armed herders invaded two communities in Gwer West and Apa local councils of Benue State on Sunday, according to multiple reports,
The latest attacks, marks another bloody episode just one week after over 40 people, including a police officer, were killed in similar attacks on villages within Gwer West.
In Sunday’s attacks, in which a mobile police officer and 41 others were killed, the armed men stormed Tse Antswam, a suburb of Naka town around 7 pm and shot indiscriminately.
Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.
..
A source in Apa, who identified himself as Tony, said the bandits invaded Edikwu Ankpali community around the same time they attacked Gwer West. “Over 25 persons at Edikwu Ankpali, in Apa, were killed yesterday (Sunday) and the bodies will soon be buried.”
Confirming the attack in Gwer West, the Ter Nagi, Daniel Abomtse, said the attackers came in a guerrilla-style and attacked Tse Antswam.
“As I talk to you now (Monday morning), 18 bodies have been recovered and many people sustained injuries. The way some people were butchered, I doubt if they will survive. Search is still on because many ran into the bush with gunshot wounds and some even entered the well to escape the herdsmen,” the monarch said.
“He noted that the village attacked was opposite a military checkpoint along Naka-Makurdi Road.
Former government official, John Ikwulono, added that Opaha community was also attacked early Monday morning, with casualties yet to be confirmed.
“The people are trapped in Odugbo now. They can’t even flee. Eleven people have already been buried from earlier attacks in Edikwu The death toll is climbing,” he said.
Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Ormini, expressed deep frustration, saying, “I’m tired of speaking to journalists. Exactly a week ago I told you about the killing of over 40 people. Today again, we are counting the dead; 14 corpses so far in Naka alone. It keeps getting worse.”
His counterpart in Apa, Adams Ocheiga, confirmed the attacks and said he was en route to the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment.
Meanwhile, the new spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incidents but did not give specific casualty figures.
“This is to confirm there was an attack yesterday at Naka and Apa. Tactical teams have been deployed and are already on ground. I’ll provide accurate figures once I get full details,” she stated.
..
... ... ...
Join Our Social Media Channels: