The Benue State Police Command has confirmed an attack on mourners by unknown gunmen in Mbayatyo Mbater council ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State during a wake keep, killing four mourners.
The Next Edition gathered that the incident, which occurred early hours of Saturday, at the wake keep of one Mama Sule Achin Adigi, left many dead while scores sustained varying degrees of injuries.
According to available information, the commander of Community Volunteer Guards in Logo, Mr. Atum is among those that were killed.
In a telephone message, source from the area who doesn’t want be named said “Unknown gunmen in the early hours of Saturday attacked and killed many sympathizers at late Mama Sule Achin Adigi wake keep.
“The resident of Late Achin Adigi is about 5 kilometers after Tse-Asom heading to Tse-Gbankan and Mbamar axis through Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State.
“All calls to rescue those that are still breathing are proving abortive, if anyone by this notice can inform the police to rush with ambulance to save the lives of those who are still breathing with bullets wounds, it will be appreciated. Treat and act as urgent please.”
When contacted, the Commissioner of Police in Benue state, Akingbola Olatunji, in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP. Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack.
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According to him, “On the 13th November, 2021 at about 0300hrs, information was received that a group of gunmen numbering three and identified by eye witnesses to be known persons within Sankara area invaded Imande Abur village, Mbategh council ward and shot sporadically at mourners who were assembled at a funeral ceremony.
“Police teams within the area swiftly moved to the area but suspects took to their heels on sighting the police.
“Five persons sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment but unfortunately four of them lost their lives while receiving treatment.”
The Commissioner, on behalf of the command, commiserated with families of the victims and assured them that justice would definitely be served as detectives are already on the trail of identified suspects.