By Taiwo Niyi
Gunmen invaded the Mbacher community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, on Friday night, killing 18 people.
The assailants, defying the state government’s curfew, attacked the community around 11 p.m. on Friday.
The Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia had imposed a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in the Sankera region, including Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo, following a violent protest in Ukum LGA two weeks ago.
According to reports, the bandits gathered villagers under the pretense of addressing them before opening fire.
Military personnel reportedly recovered 18 bodies on Saturday morning.
Justine Shaku, Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, confirmed the incident, stating that the attack had concluded before the military arrived.
Shaku described the assailants as local terrorists, noting their guerrilla warfare tactics and potential external support.
“At about 11 p.m. yesterday (Friday), we received a distress call from the villagers that a group of terrorists was moving from house to house, forcing people to follow them.
“I quickly mobilised military officers in Tor Doonga, but by the time they arrived, the people had been killed,” Shaku said.
He added that some people were wounded during the attack.
“Last night, I was told 17 people were dead, but today 18 have been confirmed. All were assembled in one place and killed.”
Efforts to reach Police Public Relations Officer Catherine Anene were unsuccessful.
However, Joseph Har, Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs to Governor Alia, confirmed the attack.
