Gunmen Kill Three Mourners, Abduct Two in Fresh Benue Attacks

A wave of violence has once again gripped Benue State, with a brutal attack on mourners in the Sati-Ikov community of Ushongo Local Government Area resulting in the deaths of four individuals and the abduction of two others. The victims were reportedly ambushed on Saturday night as they were returning from a burial ceremony, a grim incident that has sent shockwaves through the community and underscored the escalating insecurity in the region.

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According to information I received from my people around 4 a.m. on Sunday, the victims had attended a burial and were attacked on their way back.

Residents described the attack as part of a disturbing pattern of violence that has plagued the area in recent weeks. The armed assailants not only committed the heinous killings but also proceeded to rob residents of their valuables, including motorcycles and personal belongings. Among those abducted were a local patent medicine shop owner and a Point of Sale (POS) operator, individuals vital to the community's daily life and economy.

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The armed men shot and killed three of them, took their bags, robbed other residents and abducted two persons. The victims were all young men.

Dr. Simon Gabo, the Deputy Majority Chief Whip of the Benue State House of Assembly and member representing Mata State Constituency, expressed his dismay and condemned the killings. He stated that information received indicated the victims were young men returning from a burial when they were shot and killed. Gabo pointed fingers at a suspected militia group operating from the neighboring Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, accusing them of repeatedly crossing into Ushongo to carry out such attacks. The difficult, mountainous terrain covered with thick forest in the area reportedly facilitates their operations and subsequent retreats.

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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 makes their operations easier.

This latest incident follows a series of similar attacks, with one person killed and three others injured in recent days, along with the robbery of motorbikes and other properties. Gabo confirmed that the matter has been reported to the police, and personnel have been deployed to the affected community. However, efforts to obtain an official comment from the Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The recurring nature of these attacks highlights a critical security challenge that requires urgent and comprehensive intervention.

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Prior to this, we have had similar incidents almost every other week. In recent days alone, one person was killed and three others sustained gunshot injuries.