A devastating event unfolded as bandits struck three local communities in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, resulting in the death of 26 individuals.
Local reports indicate that the attacks took place between Saturday and Monday, specifically targeting the communities of Mbakunwande, Jaora, and the Naka-Adoka Road.
Among the victims were six state security personnel, which included members of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards. These officers were on duty to ensure the safety of a family attending a burial when they were brutally ambushed and killed.
Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Henry Agba, confirmed the tragic incident to the media on Tuesday, stating, “The onslaught began on Saturday. Six security operatives from the state, comprising Benue Security Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards, were tragically killed.”
“They were accompanying the family of a deceased person to Mbakunwande for the funeral, where the attackers mercilessly ambushed and executed them.”
“Late on Saturday, around 11 pm, an assault took place in Jaroa community, claiming the lives of 14 individuals. Additionally, on Monday, another community along Naka-Adoka Road fell victim to an attack, leading to the recovery of six deceased individuals, with numerous others sustaining injuries and currently under treatment in local clinics within the LGA.”
Agba further disclosed that the Benue State Police and the state security advisor, Joseph Har, have been briefed about these dreadful incidents.
He mentioned that Har inspected one of the attack scenes on Monday.