On Thursday evening, terrorists launched an assault on the Wandor community in the Mbaikyor area of the Mbalom Council Ward within the Gwer East Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of a retired army officer and 15 other individuals.
In addition to the loss of life, the assailants set fire to more than 50 houses, huts, farmlands, and food barns across 11 settlements during the onslaught.
This incident occurred approximately six years after a similar attack by armed herdsmen targeted St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor Parish, in the Mbalom Gwer East LGA, claiming the lives of two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners.
According to a survivor who requested anonymity, the attackers, numbering around 40 and heavily armed, descended upon the community around 7 p.m., catching the locals off guard before opening fire indiscriminately.
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The Caretaker Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Mrs Comfort Agbo while confirming the development said, “at the moment there is relative peace in the Wandor community. 16 bodies have so far been recovered. Two were injured and are receiving treatment.
“Those who attacked and killed my people are suspected armed herdsmen. The security operatives are currently moving the bodies to the mortuary.”
The confirmation of the development was provided by Superintendent Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO). She mentioned that the Police Commissioner was en route to the scene of the attack for an assessment.
Simultaneously, it was reported that State Deputy Governor Sam Ode had led a delegation to the community.
