No fewer than 26 people, including six security operatives of the state, have been killed in renewed attacks on three different communities in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
The six personnel, comprising operatives of Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards, accompanied a family who had gone to bury their loved one.
Natives from the affected communities told newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday that the attacks, which started on Saturday, persisted until Monday.
According to the natives, six security operatives who accompanied the family of a deceased for burial were killed on Saturday at Mbakunwande, 14 people were killed on Sunday at Jaora, and six others were murdered along the Naka/Adoka road on Monday.
Henry Agba, Chairman of Gwer West LGA, who spoke to newsmen on Tuesday, said that 26 people were killed and several others injured.
He stated, “The attack started on Saturday, with six security operatives of the state, comprising Benue Security Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards, being killed.
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“They (the operatives) escorted the family of a deceased to a village called Mbakunwande, where they had gone to bury their loved one, and they were ambushed and killed.
“On Saturday, at about 11 pm, they attacked a community in Jaroa, and 14 people were killed.
“Also, on Monday, which was yesterday, they attacked a community along Naka/Adoka road, where the villagers have so far recovered six dead bodies, and many people were injured and are receiving treatment at some clinics within the LGA.”
The chairman further stated that the incidents were reported to the Police and State Security Adviser, Joseph Har, who he said visited one of the scenes of the incident on Monday.
The Special Adviser to the State Governor on External Affairs, retired Col. Alexis Ashungu, has confirmed the incident and said that 16 people were killed.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack but said that detailed information would be provided when the Police Commissioner arrives from the assessment tour of the areas.
