‘How armed invaders killed 3 persons, burnt houses in Benue community’

By Emmanuel Antswen

An eyewitness identified as John Terwase, has narrated how heavily armed invaders killed three persons in Mbasombo community of Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State under the cover of darkness on Wednesday.

Terwase who is a survivor of attack said the heavily armed invaders stormed the village, a farming community on the outskirts of Makurdi, shooting indiscriminately and burning houses.

He said the attack sent waves of panic throughout the community, with many residents fleeing into surrounding bushes and nearby villages.

“We were already asleep when we heard gunshots coming from the direction of the farmlands.

“At first, we thought it might be thieves, but then the shooting became intense.

“We ran with our children, some without shoes, into the night. I have not seen my younger brother since then.

“This is a massacre, not just an attack. Our village is just seven minutes’ drive away from Makurdi, the state capital. If we are not safe here, where are we supposed to be safe?”he asked.

Meanwhile, The Police Command in Benue on Thursday confirmed attack on the village by the armed invaders.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed that the incident took place on Wednesday night.

“Three persons were killed and some injured while several houses were razed by the attackers.

“Security operatives have been deployed in the area,” she said.

But some residents said the casualty figure could be higher, as many villagers are missing while injured ones are receiving treatment in makeshift shelters and nearby clinics.

(NAN)