Gunmen kill Dozens, Set Military Vehicles Ablaze
Information reaching Naija News House says that Gunmen kill Dozens, Set Military Vehicles Ablaze
It was a black day in Benue State yesterday as a gang of unknown gunmen unleashed terror on Akpuna community leaving 23 persons dead.
The gang also set two military vehicles and houses ablaze as soldiers fled during the sporadic gun shooting by the marauders.
Akpuna village is in Mbaterem, Ukum Local Government Area in Benue Northwest senatorial zone.
While narrating the ordeal that left community desolate, Paul Unande, a retired Customs officer, who lost his son in the mayhem, said the gunmen invaded Akpuna village in the early hours of Saturday.
“They shot sporadically into the air to scare away villagers and in attempt to escape in the melee that ensued many people were killed and over 100 houses set ablaze,” Unande revealed during a telephone conversation with our correspondent.
The distraught Unande who lost his 25-year-old-son in the bloody attack, stated that the invaders who were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons operated unchallenged for almost two and half hours.
Unande, who further revealed that the unknown gunmen while making their escape along a military checkpoint at Tine Nune, also shot at soldiers and subsequently set two military trucks ablaze.
Contacted the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Kate Anene, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed to The Nation that it was a militia gang that invaded Akpuna village and shot sporadically.
Anene said, “On 8/7/2023 at about 12pm, a militia gang invaded Akpuna village, Ukum LGA of Benue state and were shooting sporadically. Upon receipt of this information, police teams in collaboration with other security agencies rushed to the area and engaged these bandits who were eventually repelled.
“Eight corpses were recovered at the scene while many other injured persons were taken to hospital for treatment. Operation is ongoing in the area,” she stressed.
According to available information the names of those who lost their lives in the massacre are as follows: Kator Terwase, Aondowase Kator, Albert Tsavnongo, Mbaalumunga Felix, Terzungwe Kartyo, Hangeior Agudu, Terkimbi Umough, Ushahemba Akerchi, Friday Ezekiel, Terwase Mkoholga, Ayu Ageva Vaakaa, John Ikpor, Bem Shima, Vanger Kwaghkaa.
Others include: Shaagee Tyokaa, Mfedoo Mamfe, Koholga Sase, Iorlumun Dai, Kwaghmande Mngueorga, Msugh Terwase, Ngutor Oraduen, Iortange Uye and Aker Orgema.
