JUST-IN: Police Confirm 4 Killed In Fresh Deadly Benue Attack

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a deadly attack on Abaushwa village in Ndzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area of the state, saying four persons were killed by suspected bandits.

Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondona, said investigations had commenced to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

“I can confirm that there was an attack in Guma where four persons were killed by suspected bandits. Investigations are ongoing to bring the culprits to justice,” he said.

LEADERSHIP had earlier reported that suspected armed herdsmen invaded Abaushwa community in Ndzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area on Monday night.

A security source told LEADERSHIP that the attackers stormed the village, located near Gbajimba, the headquarters of Guma Local Government Area, at about 11:30 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately on residents.

The source said a father, his son and daughter were among those killed in the attack, while several other residents sustained injuries.

Chairman of Guma Local Government Council, Hon. Maurice Orwough, who had earlier confirmed the attack, condemned the assault on the community, describing it as “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Communication and Strategy, Ernest Tortiv, the chairman said the attack claimed innocent lives, left many others injured and spread fear and destruction across the community.

“The unfortunate attack claimed the lives of innocent people, left many others injured, and caused fear and destruction in the community. Hon. Orwough described the incident as heartbreaking and unacceptable,” the statement said.

Orwough extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

He also assured residents that security personnel had been deployed to Abaushwa to restore peace, protect lives and property, and prevent further attacks.

The chairman urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and continue providing credible information that could aid efforts to tackle insecurity.

The latest attack has renewed concerns over the persistent insecurity in Guma Local Government Area, which has experienced repeated violent attacks linked to suspected armed herders over the years.