Gunmen kill four in new attack on Benue community

Four people were killed by suspected armed herders in a recent attack on Abaushwa community. This incident took place in the Nzorov council ward of Guma Local Government Area in Benue State.

Several others were injured during the attack on Monday, according to information gathered on Tuesday. A local source from the community said the attackers struck at night, targeting homes and killing people while they slept.

One resident, who only gave his name as Atoundo, said there was no reason for the attack. He stated, "They came and attacked the community without any provocation, killing people in their sleep. They forced open the doors of their victims and murdered them inside their houses."

Atoundo added, "Three persons were killed during the attack, while several others sustained injuries. The injured were taken to the General Hospital in Gbajimba, but one of them later died, bringing the death toll to four."

Former Executive Secretary of the Benue State Teaching Service Board, Frank Kyungun, who is from the community, also spoke about the incident. He described the attack as unprovoked. He said, "It was an unprovoked attack by armed herdsmen. They came at about midnight and launched a heavy assault on the community. They killed four people and left several others injured. Those wounded have been taken to the General Hospital in Gbajimba."

Kyungun mentioned that they visited the area to sympathize with the victims' families. He urged people to stay calm and allow the police to investigate.

Morris Orwough, the Chairman of Guma LGA, condemned the attack in a statement from his Personal Assistant on Communication and Strategy, Ernest Tortiv. The chairman reported that security personnel had been sent to Abaushwa to restore peace and protect lives and property.

He urged the community to remain calm and work with security agencies. He asked residents to continue providing useful information to help address insecurity in the area.

The state police spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the attack on Tuesday. He stated that four people were killed in the incident. Aondongu said, "I can confirm that there was an attack in Guma LGA in which four persons were killed by suspected bandits. Investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice."