Bandits Launch Attack On Benue Community, Kill 2

Suspected bandits have attacked Asase Ugbede settlement in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West local government area of Benue State, killing two people.

According to an eyewitness, Francis Ugbede, the terrorists invaded the area through the bush path along Tse Adagba and Tse Ankpev Road at night and opened fire sporadically on residents who scampered in different directions for safety.

He narrated that the attack happened around 8:30pm on Tuesday night.

Ugbede, who is a resident of the area, told LEADERSHIP that during the attack, a primary school teacher from Mbabwande Council Ward, Christopher Mule, was killed alongside his wife.

According to Ugbede, “It was not a pleasant experience, Ugbede is my family house here in Naka, Gwer West government area. The scene of the attack is 150 meters away from the military checkpoint. Soldiers saved the situation if not, the story would have been different. The bandits would have killed many people, but with the swift intervention of the army personnel stationed in Naka, the situation was brought under control last night. A teacher and his wife were killed. The man’s second wife was wounded and in the hospital receiving treatment. Other injured victims discharged today. The attack was near Gwer West Local government secretariat,” he said.

Ugbede said the terrorists fled scene of the attack before security operatives deployed to the local government arrived.

Confirming the attack to our correspondent on telephone, chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Victor Ormin, said the incident happened but he cannot state the exact number of casualties. “The attack occurred. One woman was attacked and I moved her to Makurdi for medical attention. The other injured victim is in Naka undergoing medical treatment.

“The army personnel are searching, so let me know the detail before telling the number of casualties.”

Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Edet Udeme, when contacted on telephone, said she will get back but did not as at press time.

Recall that gunmen suspected to be bandits had on Tuesday intercepted a convoy of buses on transit along Naka-Makurdi road in Benue State, abducting six passengers.

The affected travellers were said to be coming from Kogi state.

The bandits were reportedly demanding N100million before they would release the victims.