Gunmen Kill 7 In Benue Community

Seven people have been killed in a renewed attack by gunmen suspected to be herders in Mchia Gambetiev, Logo local government area of Benue State.

The suspected armed herders were said to have attacked a commercial vehicle between Arufu and Chembe villages on Sunday and shot at passengers.

The attackers later invaded the Mchia community in the night and killed seven people.

Several others were wounded in the attack.

A community leader, Anawah Joseph, told LEADERSHIP yesterday that the attackers laid ambush on the road and shot at a commercial vehicle.

He said, “Armed herders in collaboration with Jukun militias on Sunday shot at a commercial vehicle heading to Iorza where some passengers were injured.

“They also invaded Mchia where they killed eight people.”

The chairman of the local government, Rev Adagbe Jonathan, said seven people were killed while several others were missing.

He said, “It’s true that armed herders in collaboration with Jukun militias attacked my people yesterday at about 9 pm.

“With the help of policemen, we were able to recover five corpses on Sunday night while two corpses were recovered on Monday morning.

“They also shot at a commercial vehicle where two people were injured.

“As I am talking to you now, the two people who sustained injuries have been taken to hospital at Anyim, but many people are still missing,” he said.

Also, Rev Fr Michael Mchia, the killing have prompted angry youth to barricaded the Ugba-Anyiin road, saying they must see the government security before the barricades will be disembarked.

He commended the prompt respond of the chairmen of the local government Hon Past. Adagbe and the traditional rulers. While also commended the youths for their civil behaviour.

The Rev Fr noted that last year 12 were killed in the same place so they have every right to be angry. I join my voice with their’s to call on the government to provide security for them in order to avoid a situation of self help.