Four people, including a pastor, have been killed and eight others injured after suspected armed herders attacked the Abeda Shitile community in Gaambe-Tiev, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack occurred at about 5 pm on Tuesday while traders and residents were preparing to leave the market, triggering panic as gunmen reportedly opened fire on people in different parts of the community.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers operated for more than two hours, moving from a point-of-sale shop owned by Ernest Atindi Tor in the Ikyô Tor Dukur area towards the motor park along Afia Road.
He described the incident as terrifying, saying residents fled in different directions to escape the gunfire.
The four people killed were identified as Msoo Chan, Pastor Terungwa Tyonungo, Suurshater Iornumbe and Dodo Shingir.
Their remains have reportedly been recovered and deposited at a mortuary in the area.
Eight others sustained injuries during the attack. They were identified as Kumater Awua, Miracle Gangera, Tsetim Terungwa, Iortyom Helen, Seember Aondongu, Kofi Aondosoo, Chuku Okoro and Orker Iortyom.
The injured victims are currently receiving medical attention at a health facility in the area, the community leader said.
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
