Gunmen Kill 3 In Fresh Benue Attack

Unknown gunmen reportedly killed no fewer than three residents in the Sati-Ikov Council Ward of the Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State.

A resident of the area who pleaded anonymity told LEADERSHIP that the incident happened Saturday night, close to Sati village, when gunmen ambushed mourners who were returning from the burial ceremony.

Our correspondent gathered that two of the villagers were abducted.

Confirming the incident, a member of Benue State House of Assembly and Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Simon Gabo, said assailants killed three persons in Sati-Ikov and allegedly abducted two residents.

The statement issued by the Deputy Majority Chief Whip’s media aide, Akpam Babel, on Sunday, Gabo condemned the incident and urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding as security operatives were already on the ground to fish out those behind the barbaric act.

Gabo, who represents the Mata state constituency, stated that he will liaise with traditional rulers, government officials, and other relevant security agencies to conduct an extensive investigation into the root cause and prevent a recurrence.

He sympathised with the bereaved families and assured them that the government would soon apprehend those behind the carnage.

The statement said, “The Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr Simon Gabo PhD, today called for calm in Ikov Council Ward following reports that unknown gunmen killed three persons in Sati-Ikov and allegedly kidnapped two others”

“Mata cannot prosper in fear. We will work day and night with security agencies until peace returns to Ikov,” Gabo assured.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Edet Udeme, did not respond to or return calls made to her telephone regarding the incident.