At least 25 people have been killed in an attack that took place in a ward located in the Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue State. Reports indicate that numerous individuals sustained injuries, and several houses were set on fire by the assailants.
According to a resident from one of the affected communities, the attackers arrived on motorcycles during the early hours of Saturday, June 3, 2023. The resident, who goes by the name Terwase, stated that the gunmen came in large numbers and indiscriminately opened fire, resulting in the deaths of multiple individuals.
The Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government, Atera Alfred, has confirmed the attack and stated that the responsible individuals were local bandits in the area, rather than herdsmen. According to Alfred, the incident took place in Imande Mbakange community and other nearby communities in the Mbacher Council ward.
The chairman also mentioned that a number of bodies had been recovered, but they were awaiting the return of the security operatives who had gone to the area for a more comprehensive report.
“The information I received this morning is that several bodies have been discovered, but we are waiting for the security operatives to return from the bush with more detailed information before we can ascertain the total number of casualties,” he stated.
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident but mentioned that she was still awaiting specific details.
