Four people, including a pastor, have died after suspected armed herders attacked Abeda Shitile community in Gaambe-Tiev, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. Eight other residents were injured.
The gunmen reportedly struck around 5 pm on Tuesday as traders and residents were preparing to leave the market. They opened fire in different parts of the community, forcing people to run for safety.
A community leader, who spoke anonymously, said the attackers operated for over two hours. According to him, they moved from a point-of-sale shop owned by Ernest Atindi Tor in the Ikyô Tor Dukur area towards the motor park along Afia Road.
He described the attack as terrifying, adding that residents ran in different directions to escape the gunfire.
The four victims who lost their lives were identified as Msoo Chan, Pastor Terungwa Tyonungo, Suurshater Iornumbe and Dodo Shingir. Their bodies have reportedly been recovered and taken to a mortuary in the area.
The eight injured victims are Kumater Awua, Miracle Gangera, Tsetim Terungwa, Iortyom Helen, Seember Aondongu, Kofi Aondosoo, Chuku Okoro and Orker Iortyom.
The community leader said they are receiving treatment at a health facility in the area.
Efforts to contact the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
