Suspected armed herdsmen on Thursday evening, launched an attack on Wandor, Mbaikyor community in the Mbalom Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State, resulting in the tragic death of a retired army officer and 15 other individuals.
In addition to the loss of lives, the assailants set ablaze more than 50 houses, huts, farmlands, and food barns across 11 settlements during the attack. This incident occurred approximately six years after a similar assault by armed herdsmen on St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor Parish, Mbalom Gwer East LGA, which claimed the lives of two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners.
A survivor of the recent attack, speaking on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the well-armed marauders, numbering around 40, stormed the community at approximately 7 pm, catching the locals off guard and opening fire.
The Caretaker Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Mrs Comfort Agbo while confirming the development said, “at the moment there is relative peace in the Wandor community. 16 bodies have so far been recovered. Two were injured and are receiving treatment.
“Those who attacked and killed my people are suspected armed herdsmen. The security operatives are currently moving the bodies to the mortuary.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene who confirmed the development said the Police Commissioner was on his way to the scene of the attack for an assessment.
Meanwhile, the State Deputy Governor, Sam Ode was said to have also led a delegation to the community.
