Gunmen kill 13 villagers in Benue community – Police

By our reporter

Aug. 10, 2020 -13 villagers have been reportedly killed by unknown gunmen in Edikwu District, Apa Local Government Area (LGA), the Police Command in Benue has confirmed.

DSP Catherine Anene, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) confirmed the killings in a statement on Monday in Makurdi.

According to Anene, the district had overtime experienced incessant crisis over chieftaincy tussle until the state government intervened and peace returned in the community.

She said that the attackers remained unknown while investigation had already commenced into the matter.

“Edikwu district, Ukpogbo, in Apa LGA was experiencing incessant crises over chieftaincy affairs untill May 25, when the Benue government convened a peace meeting, headed by the Deputy Governor, Mr Benson Abounu to put an end to the rancour.

“Peace was restored to the area but on Aug. 10, at about 04:00hrs, information was received that about 20 armed men invaded the community and shot sporadically at members of the community.

“A team of police officers were deployed to the scene where 13 corpses were recovered. Investigation is still in progress”. She said.

Residents of the community devasted by the sad event said the attack on Edikwu community was unprovoked.

They explained that the unknown gunmen stormed the community at the early of hours of Monday, shooting sporadically and burning down houses, leaving many people dead while others are still missing.