Gunmen attack Benue community, kill 11 villagers, set houses on fire

At least 11 people have been killed by terrorists in Igama community of Edumoga Ehaje district in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.

Locals said the terrorists besieged the community at about 4am on Sunday and opened fire on the villagers.

The villagers claimed that at least 11 dead bodies had been recovered while efforts were being made to find missing persons.

Chairman of Okpokwu LGA, Amina Audu, however, told newsmen that she had received three corpses at Okpoga, the local government headquarters, while another six corpses were being brought from Igama, one of the affected villages.

Audu explained that the invaders operated in the community between 4am and 6am, adding that they burnt down all the houses in the community.

The chairman further disclosed that the victims were all youths while the elderly and women were allowed to escape.

“I’m right now at the police station in Okpoga awaiting the corpses, soldiers and other security men are here with me,” she said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident.

“The incident is confirmed but the command is yet to receive details from officers who went to the scene,” she said in a text message.  (Daily Trust)