At least 18 residents of Mbache ward in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State have reportedly been killed by gunmen.
Justine Shaku, caretaker chairman of the local government, said the gunmen also abducted three people — a father and his two children — during the attack.
Shaku said he received a distress call around 11pm on Friday about gunmen forcefully taking people from their homes.
“I quickly notified military officers at Tor Donga, but the gunmen had killed 18 people and kidnapped three others before they arrived,” he said.
“Yesterday night, I was told it was 17, but today, 18 bodies have been confirmed. All of them were assembled in one place and killed.
“This morning, I, the assembly member and adviser on legislative matters held a meeting and we communicated the development to the commissioner of police.
“He is on his way coming. Since he is coming, we asked the villagers to wait let him join us here in Katsina-Ala town before we visit the scene.
“Yes, some people were kidnapped. One man and his two children were kidnapped. In the recent days, apart from what happened yesterday, we have pockets of kidnappings.
“Kidnapping is also resurfacing in the area.”
Shaku said the gunmen were using guerilla war tactics where “they hit and run away.”
The council chairman lamented over the poor state of security in the council, while expressing hope for improvement.
“In the month of June, the security situation was very bad, but this month we have not witnessed such attacks,” Shaku said.
“Even those they ransacked their houses have moved back to their homes and things appeared to be calm before this attack.
“They are local terrorists. I no longer call them bandits because I’m seeing hands/elements of terrorism in their activities.
“The people should be calm, Gov. Hyacinth Alia is committed to keeping our societies safe from such acts.
“They should be assured that very soon it will be things in the past.”
Sewuese Anene, the police public relations officer (PPRO) in the state, also confirmed the attack and said investigation is ongoing.
Anene assured that security had been reinforced and normalcy restored in the area.
He urged residents to remain calm and maintain restraint in the face of provocation.
NAN
