Armed herders kill APC chieftain, 3 others in fresh attack on Benue communities 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herders, on Tuesday launched a fresh attack on Mbatsada communities in Mbalom and Mbasombo council wards in GwerEast local government area of Benue State, killing an All Progressives Congress APC chieftain identified as Akaabo Johnson and three others.

Our correspondent gathered that the marauders invaded the communities at about 4:35 pm on Tuesday and started shooting sporadically, resulting in the death of the affected victims.

The Executive Chairman of Gwer-East Local Government Area,Timothy Nyiakura Adi, who confirmed the incident in a telephone chat with our correspondent in Makurdi on Wednesday, condemned the deadly attack, describing it as a tragic lost.

Adi lamented that the attack was unprovoked and wonder why Mbalom and Mbasombo council wards would still be visited by heavily armed Fulani herdsmen militias when residents are busy going about with their farming activities.

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According to him, personnel of the Nigerian Army in his company, have visited the area to assess the situation and secure the boundary lines of the local government area, in a bid to prevent further attacks, while four dead bodies have been recovered.

He said the deceased victims have been evacuated to St. Gregory Hospital and deposited in the mortuary and expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Gwer-East community.

He  however commended the Governor  Hyacinth Alia for his prompt intervention and timely support that had facilitated the rapid deployment of security forces to contain the situation.

“I want to thank the Nigerian Army and other security personnel who were on ground during the incident for their efforts in restoring calm. 

“I therefore urge  residents, particularly the youth, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to relevant security agencies.

“We must remain united and steadfast. This attack is a tragedy, but we will not allow fear to rule us. Governor Alia is not resting—plans are underway to put an end to these unprovoked attacks,” the chairman stated.

He assured that the local government council under his leadership, would continue to collaborate closely with security agencies to restore peace and ensure the safety of all residents.

Effort to get the state command police public relations officer CSP Catherine Anene to confirm the development, proved abortive as she could not respond to text or calls.