Gunmen Kill Five in Benue Communities

George Okoh in Makurdi

Gunmen in two separate attacks yesterday killed five persons including two policemen in two communities of Guma and Ukum local government areas of Benue State.

According to local sources, the gunmen suspected to be herdsmen attacked Yelwata community of Guma LGA, killed two policemen and took away their guns.

Also in another attack three persons including a lecturer with the Federal University, Wukari, were said to have been gunned down by armed bandits at Jootar, Mbaterem, in Mbayenge Council Ward, the Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

Three of the victims, all friends, were said to have sat at a drinking joint close to a Federal Quarantine Check Point

in the community at about 7p.m. when the unknown gunmen stormed the border town, shot them point blank killing them on the spot.

Eye witnesses said the attackers, two young men and a lady had rode on a Bajaj motorcycle came carrying a lady and two guys, while one of them pointed gun at their targets, shot and killed them after which he jumped back on the motorcycle and they rode away unchallenged.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the killing of the policemen in Yelwata community of Guma but said she was yet to receive information about the Ukum killing.

“I received information that two policemen died in an operation at Makurdi-Lafia Road but I am yet to receive details please.”

On the killing of three friends in Jootar, Ukum LGA, the police spokesperson said, “I have not received this information.”