At least four persons, including three individuals returning from a burial, have lost their lives in a fresh attack by suspected armed militia in Sati-Ikov community, Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, reportedly targeted residents on their way home from a funeral, heightening concerns over rising insecurity in the area.
Eyewitnesses said several others sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, while the attackers dispossessed victims of motorcycles and other personal belongings.
Two residents, identified as a patent medicine vendor and a Point of Sale operator, were said to have been taken away by the assailants.
The Deputy Majority Chief Whip of the Benue State House of Assembly, Dr Simon Gabo, confirmed the incident and decried the spate of violence in the constituency.
“Information reaching me indicated that the victims were returning from a burial when they were ambushed in the early hours of Sunday,” he said.
“The gunmen killed three on the spot, robbed others and abducted two persons. The victims were young men,” Gabo stated.
He alleged that the attackers were operating from neighbouring Katsina-Ala Local Government Area and noted that security personnel had since been mobilised to restore calm in the affected community.