Gunmen suspected to be bandits carried out a deadly attack on Thursday in various communities within Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, resulting in the tragic loss of 16 lives. This grim incident unfolded just within 24 hours of another brutal assault by rival militia groups in Gbagir community, Ukum Local Government, where at least 40 people lost their lives.
The recent attack saw the assailants, reportedly bandits, unleash violence across approximately 11 communities, leaving behind a trail of destruction and sorrow. In response to the escalating situation, sources indicate that the state’s deputy governor, Sam Ode, along with security chiefs, promptly conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected area.
When approached for information, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, assured that details of the incident would be provided once Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina, currently on a visit to the troubled region, returned. The unfolding events underscore the growing security challenges faced by communities in the region, prompting urgent attention and intervention to curb the escalating violence.