Daud Olatunji
At least four persons, including a clergyman, have reportedly been killed, while eight others sustained injuries after suspected armed herders attacked Abeda Shitile community in Gaambe-Tiev Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday evening, reportedly threw the community into panic as the assailants opened fire on residents and traders preparing to leave the market.
However, the Benue State Police Command gave a lower casualty figure, confirming that three persons were killed and two others injured during the incident
A resident of the community, who identified himself as Andy, said the attackers stormed the area at about 5pm when commercial activities were winding down.
According to him, the gunmen operated for more than two hours, moving from one location to another and shooting indiscriminately at residents.
He said, “The attack, suspected to have been carried out by armed herders, started around 5pm when traders and other residents were preparing to leave the market.
“Suddenly, we heard heavy gunshots, and people began running in different directions to escape.
“The gunmen operated for more than two hours, leaving residents scampering for safety as sporadic gunshots echoed across the community.”
The resident described the incident as terrifying, lamenting that the attackers subjected residents to prolonged gunfire and forced many to flee for safety.
He identified the deceased as Msoo Chan, Pastor Terungwa Tyonungo, Suurshater Iornumbe and Dodo Shingir.
The bodies of the victims were reportedly recovered and deposited at a morgue in the area, while the injured were taken to a health facility for treatment.
The resident listed the injured victims as Kumater Awua, Miracle Gangera, Tsetim Terungwa, Iortyom Helen, Seember Aondongu, Kofi Aondosoo, Chuku Okoro and Orker Iortyom.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Peter Aondongu, said five persons were initially injured during the attack, but three later died while being transported to the hospital.
He said the remaining two victims were receiving medical attention.
Aondongu stated, “Five people were injured Aondongu stated, “Five people were injured during the attack, but when they were being taken to hospital, three of them died while the two others are receiving treatment at the hospital.”
The police account puts the confirmed death toll at three, compared with the four fatalities reported by community residents.
The discrepancy between the two accounts leaves the actual casualty figure unclear.
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