At least three people have lost their lives, while one other person sustained gunshot injuries following separate attacks carried out by suspected armed groups in parts of Benue State.
The incidents occurred on Thursday in Buruku, Okokolo and Naka Local Government Areas, according to reports from the affected communities.
In Buruku LGA, gunmen reportedly invaded Mbakura Mbagen community in the early hours of the day. Sources said about five armed men stormed the village at around 3:30 a.m. During the attack, two members of the state’s Civil Protection Guards, John Kunde and Sughter Orbunde, were shot dead.
The attackers also abducted a resident, Aondowase Ager, and made away with a Bajaj motorcycle said to belong to one of the victims. The bodies of the slain guards were later taken to a mortuary in Ugbema, as security agencies stepped up efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped victim.
Another attack took place later in the morning in Ejima community, Okokolo LGA. At about 6:00 a.m., suspected armed herders allegedly opened fire in the area. One resident, Daniel Matthew, suffered gunshot wounds during the incident. Security personnel were deployed shortly after to pursue the attackers and prevent further unrest.
A third assault was recorded in Ammuneke village, Naka LGA, where two young men were killed. The victims were identified as Akula Gugun, 27, and Odi Shimayoho, 28. Their remains were moved to the Agagbe morgue, while security operatives began search operations in nearby locations.
Meanwhile, a resident of Usen village in Buruku LGA, Benjamin Terver Awuna, has been arrested in connection with alleged collaboration with armed herders. Preliminary reports indicate that the suspect received airtime worth N6,000, which authorities believe was used as payment for sharing information that facilitated attacks on local communities. Investigations into the allegation are ongoing.
