Gunmen kill mother, son, 2 others in Benue

Armed assailants on Wednesday killed a mother, her son, and two others in fresh attacks on Egwuma and Ogbai communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. Residents told our correspondent that the attackers struck in the afternoon, hacking the woman and her son to death while they were working on their farm in […]

Armed assailants on Wednesday killed a mother, her son, and two others in fresh attacks on Egwuma and Ogbai communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

Residents told our correspondent that the attackers struck in the afternoon, hacking the woman and her son to death while they were working on their farm in Egwuma.

The assailants also shot dead two more victims in the nearby Ogbai village, while two other persons remain missing.

A resident identified as Inalegwu told journalists in Makurdi that, “They (gunmen) attacked Egwuma and Ogbai communities today (Wednesday). They killed a woman and her son on their farm, and also killed two others. As I am speaking to you, we are searching for two people who are still missing.”

Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, who confirmed the incident to journalists, described the attack as “senseless and barbaric.”

He said, “This is unprovoked. How could people attack and kill a mother and her son on their farm? The other two were killed at Ogbai.”

James, however, explained that security operatives were on surveillance of other villages when the killings occurred.

He commended security agencies for their efforts but blamed poor road conditions in the council area for limiting timely response to distress calls.

Benue State Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was on tour and had not yet received a formal report of the incident.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the state governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, said he had not been briefed. He advised that confirmation be sought from the affected council chairman.