The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the attack and killing of 18 farmers in Mbacher community of Katsina-Ala local government area of the State by gunmen suspected to be local bandits on Friday night.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene who made the confirmation on Saturday, said investigation was ongoing as normalcy has returned to the area.
She noted that: “the attack in Kastina-Ala is confirmed. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing as normalcy has returned in the area. Details will get to you as soon as the Police on the ground send report.”
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Meanwhile, a local source who pleaded anonymity said the bandits who defied the curfew imposed by the state government when a similar event happened at Chito market in Ukum LGA, in their numbers invaded the community on Friday at about 11pm while everyone was asleep and opened fire, killing 18 persons on the spot.
He said many others while running into the bushes for safety sustained varying degrees of injuries while some were still missing.
Recall that Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia had recently imposed a curfew of 6pm to 6am in Sankera axis of the State, which comprised of Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo LGAs over similar attack.
Also, confirming the incident, the Katsina-Ala local government area chairman, Justine Shaku, lamented that the bandits had fled after the killings before the military got to the scene.
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