Benue, Nigeria
No fewer than 17 people have been reportedly killed in an attack on three communities in Benue State.
Daily Trust reports that communities include Iwili, Umogidi and Opaha in Entekpa Ward in the Adoka District of Otukpo local government area of the State.
The chairman of the local government, Alfred Oketa Omakwu, said seven dead bodies had been recovered as of Tuesday afternoon, with the help of the military forces in the area.
According to him, the search for more bodies would continue when soldiers return to the area.
Adakole, who witnessed the incident, said that a total of 17 people were feared dead while four persons had been buried.
“We fear that more people have been killed, although four bodies were recovered on Monday night. Altogether 17 persons are missing. We think they might have all been killed but we are still combing the bushes in search of them.
“The attack started on Saturday after a rumour broke out a day earlier that the gunmen were advancing from Agatu local government area towards the Otukpo area bounding the affected area.
“As we speak, search parties who went to recover bodies of missing persons in the bush came under attacks by the armed invaders and we are hearing that more people may have been gunned down too,” he said.
He added that villagers had deserted their homes in the affected areas while the invaders were threatening the affected communities.
Meanwhile, the police public relations officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene when contacted said she did not have the report.
