Three persons were killed and another injured on Thursday as suspected bandits launched coordinated attacks on communities in Buruku, Okokolo and Naka Local Government Areas of Benue State, once again exposing the fragile security situation in parts of the state.
One of the attacks occurred in the early hours at Mbakura Mbagen community in Buruku LGA, where about five armed men reportedly stormed the village around 3:30 a.m. The assailants shot dead two members of the state’s Civil Protection Guards, John Kunde and Sughter Orbunde.
During the raid, the attackers abducted a resident, Aondowase Ager, and carted away a Bajaj motorcycle belonging to one of the slain guards. The bodies of the victims were later deposited at the mortuary in Ugbema, as security agencies intensified efforts to track the attackers and rescue the abducted villager.
Hours later, Ejima community in Okokolo LGA was thrown into panic when suspected armed herders opened fire around 6:00 a.m. One resident, Daniel Matthew, sustained gunshot wounds and was taken for medical treatment. Security operatives were subsequently deployed to the area and surrounding communities to prevent further violence.
A third attack was recorded later in the day at Ammuneke village in Naka LGA, where two young men, Akula Gugun, 27, and Odi Shimayoho, 28, were killed during the assault. Their bodies were evacuated to the Agagbe mortuary, while security agencies launched searches in nearby bushes in pursuit of those responsible.
Meanwhile, a resident of Usen village in Buruku LGA, identified as Benjamin Terver Awuna, has been arrested over alleged collaboration with armed herders. Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect allegedly received airtime valued at N6,000 as compensation for supplying information used to aid attacks on local communities.
Investigations are ongoing as security agencies step up operations to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace to the affected areas of Benue State.
