The police command in Benue has confirmed that suspected herdsmen on Sunday night attacked communities in Gwer West and Apa LGAs.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Edit Udeme, stated this in Makurdi on Monday.

Ms Udeme said tactical teams were already deployed in the affected areas to restore peace and security.

She said nine bodies were recovered from the Edikwu community in Apa LGA, adding that the search for the missing natives was still ongoing. Ms Udeme, however, said she had yet to get the number of casualties from the Naka attack.

“This is to confirm that there was an attack yesterday at Naka and Apa and to let you know that tactical teams have been deployed and are already on the ground and are on top of the situation.

“I will get back to you after getting further and accurate information, please,” she said.

A credible source from Apa LGA told journalists that the attackers invaded the community at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday and started shooting sporadically.

The source further said more than 25 persons were killed and that many were also taken away to unknown destinations during the deadly assault.

“As I speak with you, there is no single object in the community. It was an unprovoked attack. We were unaware. Some people went to evening service, while others were at a beer joint when the killers came.

“It is an evening one can never imagine. Security personnel stationed at the area were overpowered as they looked so helpless,” the source stated.

In a reaction to the attack on Naka, the chairman of Gwer West Traditional Council, Daniel Abomtse, said the attackers “came in a guerrilla-style and attacked Tse Antswam.

“As I’m talking with you now, (Monday) morning, 18 corpses had been recovered, and many people sustained varied degrees of injuries. In fact, the way some people were butchered, I doubt if they will survive.

“The search is still ongoing because many ran into the bush with gun wounds, and some also jumped into well to escape the herdsmen,” said Mr Abomtse.

Mr Abomtse said the community attacked was opposite a military checkpoint on the Naka- Makurdi Road.

(NAN)