People suspected to be bandits have invaded Mbacher community in Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue State, killing 18 farmers and rupturing the fledging peace of the villagers in savage night attack.
The scoundrels who defied the curfew imposed by the state government when a similar event happened at Chito market in Ukum LGA, stole into the community on Friday night at about 11pm while the people were asleep and opened fire on them.
No fewer than 18 persons fell to the bandits’ bullets on the spot.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack and killing of 18 farmers in Mbacher community by gunmen suspected to be local bandits on Friday night.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Catherine Anene, who made the confirmation on Saturday, said investigation was ongoing as normalcy has returned to the area
According to her, “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.”
Sources said many of the villagers who ran into the bushes for safety sustained varying degrees of injuries while some were still missing.
The Daily Crucible reports that 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.
According to LEADERSHIP news, the Katsina-Ala local government area chairman, Justine Shaku, also confirmed the unfortunate incident and lamented that the bandits had fled after the killings before the military got to the scene.
• LEADERSHIP news
