Bandits kill 2 persons in Benue

From: Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

At least two(2)persons have been killed in Naka, Gwer West Local Government area of Benue State by suspected armed bandits.

Locals who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent on telephone on Wednesday that one of the victims was murdered on Tuesday at Atukpu village, just a kilometre from Naka town, along the Taraku-Naka road and on the same day, another victim was reportedly killed along the Naka-Adoka road.

The killings continue to create tension in the area as residents have expressed concern over the rising insecurity as all three major routes leading to Naka have become danger zones due to incessant bandit attacks.

Confirming the incidents, Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Ormin, decried the worsening situation in his domain.

“A young man was killed on Taraku-Naka road while trying to get roofing materials for his house. Another person was murdered along the Adoka-Naka axis. This is happening almost daily now,” Ormin lamented.

He warned that with the Makurdi-Naka road already deemed unsafe, the entire town of Naka is gradually being encircled by criminal elements.

“These attacks are now occurring within five kilometres to the town. Naka is no longer safe,”.

The council boss expressed fears that the current security deployment may be overstretched, despite efforts by Governor Hyacinth Alia to combat the rising wave of insecurity, saying “It is quite worrisome,”.

As at the time of filing this report, attempts to get a response from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful as calls and messages to her phone went unanswered and unreplied.