At least three people have been killed while several others sustained injuries after suspected armed herdsmen reportedly attacked Abaushwa community in Ndzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State.
The incident occurred late Monday night when the attackers reportedly invaded the community, located near Gbajimba, the headquarters of Guma LGA, at about 11:30pm.
According to a security source, the suspected assailants opened fire on residents during the attack, sending members of the community into panic as they reportedly shot at people in sight.
It was learnt that among those killed were a father, his son and daughter, who reportedly lost their lives during the violent assault.
The Chairman of Guma Local Government Council, Hon. Maurice Orwough, has condemned the attack, describing the incident in Abaushwa, Ndzorov Council Ward, as unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Personal Assistant on Communication and Strategy, Ernest Tortiv, the chairman said, “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.”
Orwough sympathised with the bereaved families and offered prayers for those injured, wishing them a quick recovery.
He further disclosed that security personnel had been deployed to the affected community to restore calm, safeguard residents and their property, and forestall another attack.
The council chairman also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and work closely with security agencies by providing relevant information that could assist efforts to tackle insecurity in the area.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command has yet to provide an official account of the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, when contacted, promised to respond to enquiries concerning the attack but had not done so as of the time of filing this report.
Suspected herdsmen kill three, injure others in fresh Benue attack