Seven people have been killed in a suspected armed herdsmen attack on a Benue community, raising concerns over ongoing violence and insecurity in the region.
On Tuesday in the early hours, an attack suspected to be carried out by armed herdsmen occurred in Naka community located in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State which resulted in the tragic death of seven individuals.
Several residents were injured as a result of the attack, causing many to flee their homes in fear of subsequent violence.
For some time now, herdsmen-related violence has plagued Gwer West LGA, leading to recurrent assaults on both communities and motorists who travel along the deteriorated Makurdi-Naka Road.
The most recent occurrence is consistent with the trend of mounting insecurity in this vicinity.
A resident of the locality who chose not to disclose their identity stated that prior to the assault, armed herdsmen had arrived in the area along with their cattle. They were permitted to graze on fields and destroyed crops.
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According to reports, the attackers arrived on motorbikes early Tuesday morning at approximately 5 a.m., firing their weapons recklessly towards residences and compelling inhabitants to vacate.
According to the source, individuals were awoken by gunshots and compelled to evacuate their residences. While attempting to flee, they were shot at by intruders resulting in fatalities of seven people who couldn’t manage to escape along with other casualties.
The apprehension quickly disseminated, causing inhabitants to evacuate their locality for dread of a recurrence of the unwarranted assault. A multitude are presently relocating towards adjacent regions in search of refuge, abandoning household abodes.
At the time of reporting, Superintendent Catherine Anene who is the Police Public Relations Officer stated that she was still awaiting complete information about the event.
The occurrence of this assault is another grim incident amid the persisting security predicaments surrounding Benue State, especially in areas prone to herdsmen aggression.
Residents anticipate an increase in security measures by authorities to safeguard their lives and possessions.
