By Opeyemi Adelakun
At least three persons were killed and several others injured after suspected armed herdsmen launched a fresh attack on Abaushwa community in Ndzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community, located near Gbajimba, the Guma Local Government headquarters, at about 11:30 p.m. on Monday and opened fire on residents.
A security source said a father and two of his children—a son and a daughter—were among those killed during the attack, while several other residents sustained injuries.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Maurice Orwough, condemned the attack, describing it as tragic and unacceptable.
In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Communication and Strategy, Ernest Tortiv, the chairman said the assault claimed innocent lives, injured many residents and spread fear across the community.
“The unfortunate attack claimed the lives of innocent people, left many others injured, and caused fear and destruction in the community. Hon. Orwough described the incident as heartbreaking and unacceptable,” the statement said.
Orwough extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
He also disclosed that security operatives had been deployed to Abaushwa to restore normalcy, safeguard lives and property, and prevent further attacks.
The council chairman urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and continue providing credible information that could assist ongoing security operations.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Orchia Peter Aondona, said he would verify the incident and respond, but had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.
The latest assault has renewed concerns over the persistent insecurity in Guma Local Government Area, one of the communities repeatedly affected by attacks linked to suspected armed herdsmen in recent years.
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