Insecurity: 13 feared killed by gunmen in fresh attacks on Benue communities

Gunmen have reportedly killed 13 persons, including a three-month old baby, in two separate attacks on communities of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack, which took place at about 10pm yesterday, came barely 24 hours after eight persons, including two aid workers, were killed by suspected herdsmen in the same Guma Local Government Area.

According to local sources, a bus loaded with some mourners who were returning from a burial at Umenger was attacked by gunmen around Torkula village, resulting in the death of three persons while two others who were shot were receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Makurdi as at the time of this report.

The deceased three-month old baby was said to have been shot in the chest while his mother who narrowly survived the attack was also shot on the lap.

Also, Udei Branch community was said to have been attacked last night by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen during which eight persons were reportedly killed.

Confirming the attacks on his council, Chairman of Guma LGA, Caleb Abs said 13 persons were killed in two separate attacks on Udei Branch and Torkula.

“It is true that there was an attack yesterday. There was a burial in Torkula and people who were coming back from the burial came.under attack and about five people were killed.

“At about 10pm, yesterday there was another attack at Branch Ude where about eight people were killed totalling about 13 people only yesterday.

“Two people were injured by the information I received and they are now recieving treatment in the hospital,” Aba said.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene said she was yet to be briefed on the attacks, promising to update newsmen as soon as she had useful information.

 

AbeyaNews