On Friday, gunmen reportedly killed five police officers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State’s capital.
According to sources, the sad incident occurred at 5 a.m. at Ebyia Bridge, on the Hilltop/Nwoke Road.
Similarly, a retired army officer and 15 people were reportedly slain by suspected armed herdsmen in a Thursday evening attack on Wandor, Mbaikyor community in the Mbalom Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area, LGA, in Benue State.
The Invaders were also said to have destroyed over 50 houses, cottages, farmlands, and food barns in 11 communities during the invasion.
The latest incident occurred around six years after armed herders attacked St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor Parish, Mbalom Gwer East LGA, killing two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners.
A survivor of the incident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, claimed the well-armed marauders, numbering around 40, attacked the hamlet around 7 p.m. and opened fire on the residents, who were caught off guard.
Mrs. Comfort Agbo, Caretaker Chairman of Gwer East LGA, confirmed the situation, saying, “at the moment, there is relative peace in the Wandor community.” So far, 16 bodies have been recovered. Two people were harmed and are receiving treatment.
“My people were ambushed and killed by alleged armed herders. Security personnel are currently transporting the dead to the mortuary.
When reached, Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene verified the development, stating that the Police Commissioner was on his way to the scene of the incident for an on-the-spot evaluation.
Dr. Sam Ode, the Benue State Deputy Governor, was also claimed to have led a trip to the town.