- At least 11 people were killed in a Christmas Day attack on Tor Azege community in Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State
- The attack, attributed to armed men, has sparked fear and calls for heightened security as residents demand justice for victims
At least 11 people were killed in an attack on Tor Azege community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident reportedly began on Christmas Day and extended into Thursday, with conflicting accounts of the death toll. While some residents claimed 26 people were killed during a Christmas service at NKST Azege, others placed the number at 11.
CP Iorbee Ihagh (retd.), President General of Mzough U Tiv (MUT), an umbrella group for the Tiv people, confirmed reports of 11 fatalities. Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, he condemned the attack, describing it as unprovoked.
“Armed men invaded the community, leaving many dead and others unaccounted for. Leaders in the affected areas have reported the incident to the police,” Ihagh stated.
Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser on Internal Security to the Benue State Governor, also confirmed the attack but declined to provide further details.
Efforts to contact Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (retd.), Director-General of Homeland Security, were unsuccessful as his phone line was unreachable.
Meanwhile, SP Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, said she had not yet received a report on the incident in Kwande LGA.
The attack has sparked fear and uncertainty in the area as residents call for heightened security and justice for the victims.
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