By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Suspected armed herders have killed at least five residents in Tse Ameen community, Mbapa Council Ward of Gwer West Local Government Area.
Eye witnesses said the attackers stormed the community on Saturday under the cover of darkness before unleashing violence that left the five people dead and others still unaccounted for.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said five bodies – three men and two women- were recovered after the attack, while many others were still missing.
“The attackers came at night and operated freely. We recovered five corpses, but several people are still missing,” the source said.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, who confirmed the incident, said four dead bodies were officially recorded.
“Four dead bodies were recovered,” Edet stated, without providing further details.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed sympathy with the people of Gwer West over the killings, describing the incident as tragic.
He directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
“I urge all security heads to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. I also call on communities to collaborate with government and security agencies to rid our forests of criminal elements,” the governor said.
