Insecurity: Gunmen Kill 15, Kidnap 14 In Benue, Nasarawa, Zamfara

• Gov Alia condemns attack, vows to stop killings

In what many security experts described as a resumed spate of killings and kidnappings across the country, suspected bandits and armed herdsmen yesterday, reportedly murdered no fewer than 13 people in some local government areas of Benue, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Nasarawa states, just as bandits kidnapped many i

According to the reports, the attacks in Benue State saw no fewer than nine persons killed and many injured when armed herdsmen invaded two local government areas of Benue State.

It was learnt that the suspected armed herdsmen allegedly murdered the nine victims during a twin attack on Ayilamo and Mbachohon communities in Logo and Gwer West Local Government Areas of the state. Eyewitness accounts said the marauders stormed the communities around 10 pm on Tuesday night and also left many with serious injuries.

Also speaking on condition of anonymity, another competent source disclosed that the well-armed herders started the attack on Logo local government area from Mahanga village at about 10 pm, adding; “The well-armed herdsmen came at about 10 pm on Tuesday. They attacked and killed two persons at the Mobile barracks, situated at Mahanga, near Ayilamo.

“From there, they headed to Ayilamo town and on entering the town, they shot and killed another three persons on the spot. Many others sustained various degrees of injury and were taken to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Some of the cases were so serious that by yesterday, they were referred to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH in Makurdi.”

On those who lost their lives in the attack, the source listed them as Ayev Jôgunô, Faiga Mwuese Apefan, Msendoo Tertese, James Mhen Iorliam, and Orgbee Mnguerorga.

Similarly, an insider hinted that the attack on Nagi Camp Mbachohon Council Ward of Gwer West LGA, which occurred at about the same time, led to the disappearance of about four persons, with many others sustaining injuries.

The insider further stated that those feared dead but whose bodies are yet to be been seen included Donald Tarvihi, Tyozenda Orkoho, Joe Igba, and Nyali Akula. This is as reports also said the affected communities are now deserted with displaced families fleeing to neighbouring communities for their safety.

Assailants Kill Doctor In Nasarawa
Tragedy struck in Nasarawa State on Tuesday night as some yet-to-be-identified gunmen killed a Nasarawa State-based medical practitioner, Dr Stephen Angbas in Awe Local Government Area of the State.

It was gathered that the unknown assailants, who invaded the area in the late hours of Tuesday, took out Dr Angbas, the proprietor of Lafia-Angbas Clinic, as he was returning from his farm on a motorcycle in the Area. Some eyewitnesses hinted that the assailants, suspected to be armed robbers, launched vicious machete attacks on the doctor, and the motorcyclist who was conveying him back from the farm.

Unfortunately, Angbas reportedly died as a result of injuries sustained during the attack while the motorcycle rider, identified as Mikailu Dahiru, was rushed to a nearby medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment for the severe injuries inflicted on him by the criminal elements.

Confirming the unfortunate incident, the Police spokesperson of the Nasarawa state Command, DSP Rahman Nansel, said; “On October 17, 2023, at approximately 4:00 pm, mobile police operatives received distressing information regarding a fatal assault along the Jangargari-Awe Road.

“Tragically, the victims were a commercial motorcycle rider, Mikailu Dahiru, who survived the attack, and Dr Angbass Stephen, who succumbed to his grievous injuries. In light of this senseless violence, CP Maiyaki Baba extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved’s family and has initiated a comprehensive investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The Commissioner encourages any member of the public with relevant information to come forward and assist in the swift apprehension of those responsible for this despicable act.”

Gunmen Kill 3, Kidnap District Head, 11 Others In Zamfara
The story coming in from Zamfara State is also not palatable as at least three persons were reportedly killed and 11 others injured when armed bandits invaded the Bagega community of Anka Local Government Area of the North West State.

Reports said during the attack, the Community’s District Head, his eight-year-old daughter, and about 10 others were also abducted by the gunmen.

A resident of the community, who escaped during the attack, Abdullahi Bagega, told reporters yesterday that the bandits invaded the community on motorcycles on Monday evening, shooting sporadically, and in the process, forced many residents to scamper for safety.

According to Bagega, three persons were killed, and 11 persons were critically wounded and currently receiving treatment at various hospitals, adding; “They kidnapped the Sarkin Gabas of our community and his daughter of about eight years, six other persons, and four people from a village before Bagega. They are not up to 50, we also have 11 persons critically injured right now.”

Bandits Ransack Kebbi Village, Kill 2, Abduct 3

In Kebbi State, available reports indicate that three persons were equally killed while 11 others were kidnapped in a fresh attack by bandits on Wednesday.

Reports said the bandits stormed Tilli village, killed at least two persons, and abducted three others during the raid, even as the Spokesman of the Kebbi Police Command, SP Nafiu Abubakar, said the Commissioner of Police (CP) Chris Wane had already mobilised men to the crime scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

A statement by Abubakar disclosed that the CP also consoled the District Head of Tilli village, Alhaji Muhammadu Tilli; the Council Chairman of Bunza local government area, Mr Umar Ahmed and the State Assembly member representing the area.

Assuring that the Police Command will work round the clock towards a successful rescue operation and also rein in criminal elements across the State, the Police PRO described the unprovoked attack as “unfortunate and an attempt to undermine the efforts of security agencies which will meet stiff resistance.”