17 killed as gunmen set houses on fire in Benue

At least 17 people were killed after armed men invaded some rural communities in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

Our correspondent gathered that the latest attacks happened on Sunday evening and in the early hours of Monday.

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The attackers raided several villages in Gwer West area, including Agbanu community along Naka-Agagbe road in Saghev Council Ward, where two persons were killed.

Witnesses said Monday attack occurred about 5am when the invaders besieged Tse Amgbem community close to Aondoana in Gwer West LGA, and killed 15 people, bringing the number of those killed to 17.

The witnesses also said many others were wounded while several houses were set ablaze.

A villager said more bodies might likely be discovered as more persons have been declared missing after the gun attack.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, said the attacks were reported but she does not have details of the incident.