A family of six and two Internally Displaced Persons in Benue state have been reportedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen who invaded the Abagena community.
NigeriaCrime.com gathered that the marauders who left several persons with gunshot wounds also beheaded some of the victims during the attack on Thursday.
According to a community leader in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity, “the marauders stormed the community directly opposite the gate of the camp at about 9 pm and started shooting sporadically.
“People were already preparing to go to bed when everyone started hearing gunshots. They ran, but those they caught up with were killed and butchered while some were beheaded and their heads were taken away.
“As we speak there is tension in the area, people are fleeing their homes but the fear is that the youths of the area might take over the busy Makurdi-Lafia road to protest the herder’s killings which have been going on for some time now in our communities since the coming of the dry season, added”
Reacting to the development, Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security Matters, Colonel Paul Hemba (retd.) confirmed that two IDPs and a family of six were killed in the attack.
He said it took place at about 9 pm, adding that women and children were among those killed while the injured had been moved to the hospital for medical care.
He said, “so far, eight corpses, including women and children, have been recovered, and eight others that were seriously injured have been evacuated to the hospital for treatment. Some of the bodies were beheaded and the heads were taken away. The bushes are still being combed for more victims.
“The attack was unprovoked; two of those killed were IDPs. The bandits also stole two motorcycles belonging to the villagers.”
According to the Adviser, the casualty figure may likely rise as some other persons who were fatally shot in the chest might not survive the injuries.
He gave the names of those killed as Acho Gbashaor, Joseph Gbashaor, Anshe Dekera, Ancho Kpor, Eunice Gbashaor, Sewuese Gbashaor, Terlumun Ajoh, Emberga Gbashaor and Donald Gbashaor.
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene who confirmed the development said she was yet to receive full details of the attack.
It will be recalled that a similar attack like this which claimed seven lives happened in the same community in April 2021.
Abagena community has been home to victims of armed herders incursions in Benue state since the 2018 New Year’s day massacre in Guma and Logo LGAs that claimed the lives of close to 100 persons including women and children.