On Friday night, a group carrying weapons believed to be bandits took the lives of no less than 18 individuals from Mbacher society in Benue State’s Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

Despite the curfew imposed by the state government from 6 pm to 6 am in the Sankera axis (which includes Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo), an attack occurred around 11 pm. This area has been plagued with ongoing security concerns.

According to reports from nearby sources, the attackers lured the villagers together by posing as speakers before ruthlessly attacking them. Chairman Justine Shaku of Katsina-Ala LGA validated this statement and indicated that the bandits had already concluded their aggression prior to military intervention.

Shaku reported that a distress call was received from the villagers around 11 pm yesterday (Friday) stating that terrorists were going door to door and forcing individuals to go with them. He promptly mobilized the military officers stationed in Tor Doonga, but unfortunately they arrived too late as those present had already been killed due to their remote location.

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According to Shaku, there were multiple individuals injured in the assault. He stated that “initially I was informed of 17 casualties last night, however as of today it has been confirmed that a total of 18 people lost their lives.” Furthermore, all fatalities occurred when they had grouped together and were subsequently executed.

Earlier today, Shaku conducted a meeting with the assembly member and legislative adviser to discuss recent developments. The trio then conveyed their concerns about the ongoing banditry issue to the Commissioner of Police. During this dialogue, Shaku labeled these acts as “guerrilla warfare” but went on to comment that he no longer labels them as mere bandits due to signs of terrorism in their actions – labelling them now exclusively terrorists within while acknowledging they do receive external support from outside sources for perpetration purposes. Their primary agents though remain locals who are directly involved in these activities at ground level.”

SP Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer, was contacted and asked to provide text messages. However, at the time of filing this report she had not yet responded.