Reports indicate that bandits have carried out deadly attacks in three different communities within the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, resulting in the deaths of approximately 26 individuals.
Among the victims were six members of the state security groups known as the ‘Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards’ who were stationed to provide security for a family attending a burial.
Local sources reveal that the attacks occurred between Saturday and Monday in the Mbakunwande and Jaora communities, as well as along the Naka/Adoka road.
The casualties include six security personnel from the State Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards on Saturday, 14 individuals on Sunday, and six more on Monday.
Henry Agba, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, confirmed the tragic events on Tuesday, stating that 26 people had lost their lives and many others sustained injuries.
He recounted, “The violence commenced on Saturday, claiming the lives of six security operatives from Benue Security Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards.
“The operatives were accompanying a bereaved family to Mbakunwande village for a burial when they were ambushed and brutally killed.”
“In another incident on Saturday at around 11 pm, an attack in Jaroa resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals.
“Moreover, on Monday, they struck a community along the Naka/Adoka road, leading to the discovery of six bodies, while several people sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment in local clinics within the LGA.
Agba mentioned that the authorities have been notified, with police and state security adviser Joseph Har visiting one of the scenes on Monday.