TheCable

Eighteen residents, including a police officer, have been reportedly killed by gunmen in Benue state.

The gunmen were said to have invaded Gbeji village in Ukum LGA of the state around 4am on Wednesday.

Paul Hemba, the special adviser to the governor on security, confirmed the development to TheCable.

“As at yesterday, I got the figure of 18 residents plus the policeman,” Hemba said.

“So, they are still searching and probably, the source that you got 23 casualties may not be wrong. Probably, they have discovered more without my knowledge. Like I told you, they are still searching and probably the figure might even go beyond 23 in the future.”

“The attack happened at about 4am yesterday. They came solely with the aim of attacking the villagers which is what they did.”

Also confirming the attack, Suwuese Anene, police spokesperson in the state, said the actual number of fatalities is yet to be ascertained.

“Attack was confirmed and one policeman lost his life. I don’t have the total number of casualties at my disposal yet,” Anene said.

Earlier in June, TheCable reported that two police officers were killed when attacked by gunmen on Makurdi-Lafia road.