Suspected armed herdsmen have launched an attack on Wandor, Mbaikyor community in the Mbalom Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area in Benue State.
The assailants killed a retired army officer and 15 others in the brutal assault.
In addition to the loss of lives, the attackers also set fire to over 50 houses, huts, farmlands, and food barns across 11 settlements in the area.
This incident occurred approximately six years after a previous attack by armed herdsmen on St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor Parish, and Mbalom Gwer East LGA. The attack resulted to the tragic deaths of two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners, as reported by the Daily Post.
A survivor of the attack who spoke on conditions of anonymity said the well-armed marauders, numbering about 40 stormed the community at about 7 pm and opened fire on the locals who were taken unaware.
The Caretaker Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Mrs. Comfort Agbo, while confirming the development said, “at the moment, there is relative peace in the Wandor community. 16 bodies have so far been recovered. Two were injured and are receiving treatment.
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“Those who attacked and killed my people are suspected armed herdsmen. The security operatives are currently moving the bodies to the mortuary.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene, who confirmed the development, said the Police Commissioner was on his way to the scene of the attack for an assessment.
Meanwhile, the State Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, was said to have also led a delegation to the community.
