Suspected gunmen, on Friday, attacked Mbache Ward in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue, reportedly killing 18 persons.

Confirming the incident to journalists by telephone on Saturday, the caretaker chairman of the LG council, Justine Shaku, said a father and his two children were also kidnapped during the attack.

Mr Shaku said he received a distress call at 11.00 p.m. on Friday that some gunmen were going from house to house, forcing people to follow them.

“I quickly notified the military officers at Tor Donga, but before they could reach Mbache ward where the incident was happening, the gunmen had killed 18 persons and left with three others.

“Yesterday night, I was told it was 17, but today, 18 bodies have been confirmed dead. All of them were assembled in one place and killed,” said Mr Shaku.

He said he and a legislator notified the police about the incident.

“In the recent days, apart from what happened yesterday, we have pockets of kidnappings. Kidnapping is also resurfacing in the area,” he said.

Mr Shaku said the local terrorists were using guerilla war tactics, “they hit and run away.”

The council chairman said the security situation in the council was not encouraging but expressed optimism that there was hope at the end of the tunnel.

“In the month of June, the security situation was very bad, but this month, we have not witnessed such attacks.

“Even those they ransacked their houses have moved back to their homes and things appeared to be calm before this attack.

“They are local terrorists. I no longer call them bandits because I’m seeing hands/elements of terrorism in their activities.

“The people should be calm; Governor Hyacinth Alia is committed to keeping our societies safe from such acts,” he said.

Also, when contacted, the state police public relations officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the attack, saying an investigation into the incident was ongoing.

Mr Anene said security had been beefed up, and normalcy had returned to the area.

He urged the residents to remain calm and continue to maintain restraint in the face of provocation.

(NAN)