At least four people, including a pastor, have been killed and eight others injured after suspected armed herders attacked Abeda Shitile community in Gaambe-Tiev, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack reportedly occurred around 5pm on Tuesday as traders and residents were preparing to leave the market, triggering panic after gunmen opened fire on people in different parts of the community.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers operated for more than two hours, moving from a Point-of-Sale shop belonging to Ernest Atindi Tor in the Ikyô Tor Dukur area towards the motor park along Afia Road.
He described the incident as terrifying, explaining that residents ran in different directions in an attempt to escape the gunfire.
The four people reportedly killed were identified as Msoo Chan, Pastor Terungwa Tyonungo, Suurshater Iornumbe and Dodo Shingir.
Their bodies were said to have been recovered and deposited at a mortuary in the area.
Eight other residents sustained injuries during the attack. They were identified as Kumater Awua, Miracle Gangera, Tsetim Terungwa, Iortyom Helen, Seember Aondongu, Kofi Aondosoo, Chuku Okoro and Orker Iortyom.
The injured victims are reportedly receiving medical treatment at a health facility in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, attempts to obtain comments from the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, were unsuccessful.
The identity of the attackers and their motive have not been independently established, while the police have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
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