By Wilson Adekumola
At least 25 people were reportedly killed, several other injured and many houses set ablaze as unknown gunmen attacked Imande Mbakange and neighbouring communities in the Mbacher council ward in Katsina-Ala Local Goverment Area of Benue State on Saturday.
A source from one of the affected communities, who identified himself as Terwase told newsmen that the gunmen in their numbers rode into the communities on motorcycles early hours of Saturday.
“The gunmen came in their numbers on motorcycles and shot sporadically in the process killed several people,” Terwase said.
Confirming, the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government, Atera Alfred said that local bandits in the area were responsible for the attack.
According to the Chairman, “It is true, this morning some gunmen attacked Imande Mbakange community and other neighbouring communities in Mbacher Council ward. The attackers were local bandits, not herdsmen.
The chairman added that several corpses had been recovered but awaiting the security operatives that have gone to the area.
He said, “The report I got from the area this morning was that some corpses have been recovered but security operatives are still in the bush until they come back with detailed report before we can get a total number of casualties.
Contacted, the Benue State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP, Catherine Anene confirmed the incident but said she was yet to get the details.
“Incident confirmed but details are yet to be received please,” Anene said.
