From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Residents of Atukpu community, in Gwer West Local Government (LG) of Benue State, have fled the area after gunmen suspected to be herdsmen killed two persons along Naka, the council headquarters.
Our correspondent gathered that one of the victims was murdered on Tuesday at Atukpu village, just one kilometre from Naka town, along the Taraku-Naka Road, while the second victim was murdered the same day along the Naka-Adoka Road.
Locals from the area told our correspondent on phone that the continued killing of innocent residents of the area has sent fears down their spines as people have started running away with a few of their belongings .
They expressed concern over the rising state of insecurity in the area,saying that the three major routes leading to Naka have become death traps due to incessant bandit attacks.
Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Ormin, confirmed the incidents, describing the situation as worsening on daily basis.
He said: “A young man was killed on Taraku-Naka Road while trying to get roofing materials for his house. Another person was murdered along the Adoka-Naka axis. This is happening almost daily now.”
He lamented that the Makurdi-Naka Road is already unsafe as the entire town of Naka is gradually being encircled by criminal elements.
“These attacks are now occurring within five kilometres of the town. Naka is no longer safe. It is quite worrisome,” he added.
The council chairman expressed fears that the current security deployment may be overstretched, despite efforts by Governor Hyacinth Alia to combat the rising wave of insecurity.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, said she would soon reach out to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for confirmation.