Gunmen Kill One, Kidnap Pastor, Four Others in Benue

George Okoh In Makurdi

Armed gunmen invaded the Christians Pentecostal Church located at Akenawe, Tswarev in Ukemberagya/Tswarev, Logo local government area of Benue state, killed one  man and  kidnapped four others.

 According to a local source, the gunmen had at about 11am, opened fire on the  Christians while Sunday morning healing mass was ongoing.

Confirming the incident, a community leader and President, Gaambe-Tiev Youths Association (GYA), Dr. Hemen Terkimbi, disclosed that one person was killed in the process of the attack, five people injured while four other worshippers including the resident pastor, Rev. Pst. Gwadue Kwaghtyo were captured and taken to an unknown destination.

He stated that those who sustained severe injuries including Ag. Kindered Head of Akemkpa, Zaki Tyokase Ingyutu, who was wounded on the head, are currently receiving  treatment at different hospitals in Ugba and Anyiim areas of Logo Local Government Area.

Terkimbi described the attack as barbaric, which must be condemned in strong terms.

He said it was  unfortunate that innocent defenseless worshippers could be attacked by heartless persons while worshipping God on such a Holy day.

Terkimbi called on security personnel to comb all the nooks and crannies of the affected areas to ensure that  the attackers were arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

Efforts  by our correspondent to speak with the  Police Public Relations Officer Benue State Police Command,  SP Sewuese Anene, were unsuccessful as her phone number could not be reached.