Gunmen kill four, abduct two mourners in fresh Benue attack

By Johnson Arua

At least four persons, including three mourners, have been killed and two others abducted in a fresh attack by suspected armed militia in Sati-Ikov community of Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victims were reportedly ambushed on Saturday night while returning from a burial, in an incident residents say reflects a worsening wave of violence in the area.

Several other persons sustained gunshot injuries during the attack, while the assailants dispossessed residents of valuables, including motorcycles and personal belongings.

Among those abducted were a popular patent medicine dealer and a Point of Sale (POS) operator within the community.

Confirming the incident, the Deputy Majority Chief Whip of the Benue State House of Assembly and member representing Mata State Constituency, Dr. Simon Gabo, condemned the killings, describing the situation as deeply troubling.

“Information I received around 4 a.m. on Sunday indicated that the victims had attended a burial and were attacked on their way back. The armed men shot and killed three of them, took their bags, robbed others and abducted two persons.
The victims were all young men,” he said.

Gabo alleged that the attackers were members of a militia group operating from neighbouring Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, accusing them of repeatedly crossing into Ushongo to carry out attacks.

“These armed men cross the River Katsina-Ala from the neighbouring LGA into our communities to attack and retreat. The terrain is difficult, mountainous and covered with thick forest, which aids their operations,” he added.

The lawmaker further disclosed that the latest attack is part of a disturbing pattern of recurring violence in the area over the past two weeks.

“Before this, we recorded similar incidents almost every other week. In recent days alone, one person was killed and three others sustained gunshot injuries.

Two persons were also robbed of their motorcycles, while properties belonging to others were carted away,” he said.

He noted that the matter had been reported to security agencies, adding that the Divisional Police Officer had already deployed personnel to the affected community.

“I reported the incident, and the DPO moved to the area with security operatives this morning,” Gabo confirmed.

Efforts to get official reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.