Tragedy struck as bandits launched renewed attacks on three separate communities within the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, resulting in the loss of approximately 26 lives.
Among the victims were six dedicated members of the state security forces, identified as the ‘Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards.’ These brave individuals had been deployed to provide security assistance during a funeral procession.
Reports from residents indicate that the attacks occurred between Saturday and Monday, targeting the Mbakunwande and Jaora communities, as well as along the Naka/Adoka road.
During Saturday’s assault, six operatives of the State Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards were fatally wounded. The violence escalated on Sunday, claiming the lives of an additional 14 individuals, and continued into Monday, resulting in the deaths of six more people.
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Chairman Henry Agba of the Gwer West LGA confirmed the devastating incident, revealing that 26 people had lost their lives, with several others sustaining injuries.
He said, “The attack started on Saturday, six security operatives of the state, comprising Benue Security Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards were killed.
“They (operatives) escorted the family of a deceased to a village called Mbakunwande where they had gone to bury the loved one, and they ambushed them and killed them.
“On Saturday at about 11 pm, they attacked a community in Jaroa, and 14 people were killed.
“Also on Monday, that was yesterday, they attacked a community along Naka/Adoka road where the villagers have so far recovered six dead bodies, and many people were injured and receiving treatment at some clinics within the LGA.
Agba said the incidents had been reported to the police and state security adviser, Joseph Har, who visited one of the incident scenes on Monday.