At least 18 residents of Mbache ward in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State were killed in a brutal attack by unidentified gunmen, according to local officials.

The assailants also abducted three individuals, including a father and his two children, during the assault.

Justine Shaku, the Caretaker Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, confirmed the incident and detailed the circumstances surrounding it. Shaku reported receiving a distress call around 11 p.m. on Friday, indicating that gunmen had forcibly taken people from their homes. Despite alerting military officers stationed at Tor Donga, the gunmen had already executed their attack, resulting in 18 confirmed deaths and three abductions by the time help arrived.

“The initial report indicated 17 victims, but today, we have confirmed that 18 people were killed,” Shaku stated. “All the victims were gathered in one place before being killed.”

Following the attack, Shaku, along with the Assembly member and the Adviser on Legislative Matters, communicated the development to the Commissioner of Police, who is en route to the scene. The officials have advised local residents to await the Commissioner’s arrival in Katsina-Ala town before visiting the attack site.

Shaku expressed concern over the escalating violence, describing the gunmen's tactics as resembling guerrilla warfare, characterized by hit-and-run strategies. He noted that while the security situation had improved somewhat in recent weeks, this attack highlights ongoing vulnerabilities.

“There have been pockets of abductions recently, and the security situation remains precarious,” Shaku said. “The perpetrators of these attacks are local terrorists, not mere bandits, reflecting a disturbing trend toward terrorism.”

State Police Public Relations Officer Sewuese Anene confirmed the attack and assured that an investigation is underway. Shaku emphasized that Governor Hyacinth Alia is dedicated to improving security and vowed that such incidents would soon be addressed. (ILKHA)