BURIAL TURNED DEADLY AS GUNMEN KILL THREE IN BENUE

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Armed men on Saturday night reportedly attacked and killed three people who were returning from a burial in Sati-Ikov Council Ward of Ushongo Local Government Area in Benue State.

Residents who spoke on Sunday said the victims were ambushed close to the community after attending the funeral. One local source, who asked not to be named over safety concerns, said the attackers—described as suspected local militias—also abducted two other mourners during the assault.

“Three people were killed, while a man and a woman were kidnapped,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the lawmaker representing Ushongo Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Simon Gabo, condemned the recurring attacks in the area, saying the community has been under repeated assaults by armed groups in recent weeks.

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He identified the deceased as Bem Msughter, Daav-Ikov; Aondo Chia, Mbamegh, Daa-Ikov; and Sunday Terwase of Mbakyor, Daa-Ikov. He also named the abducted victims as Aondongu Amos, a POS operator, and Mrs Arinze, a patent medicine dealer.

Gabo alleged that armed attackers frequently cross over from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area to launch raids in Ushongo, taking advantage of the region’s difficult terrain and forest cover. He added that he had reported the incident to security agencies, noting that police personnel had since been deployed to the area.

The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report.

The latest attack has further heightened tension and fear among residents amid worsening insecurity in parts of the state.