AGS NEWS – Gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked the Mbacher community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State on Friday night, killing 18 people.

Local government sources reported that the attack occurred around 11 pm, despite a state-imposed curfew. The attackers gathered villagers under the pretense of addressing them, then opened fire.

The curfew, from 6 pm to 6 am, was imposed by Benue State Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia following a violent protest in Ukum LGA two weeks ago.

The Sankera axis, which includes Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo, is known for criminal activity.

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The bodies were discovered Saturday morning by the military. Katsina-Ala LGA Chairman, Justine Shaku, confirmed the attack, stating that the bandits had completed their assault before the military arrived.

Shaku said, “At about 11 pm yesterday, we received a distress call that terrorists were moving from house to house, forcing people to follow them. I mobilized the military, but they arrived too late.”

He added that 18 people were confirmed dead and others wounded. Shaku described the attackers as “local terrorists” and noted that external forces might be aiding them.

Efforts to reach Police Public Relations Officer Catherine Anene were unsuccessful, but Joseph Har, the Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs to Governor Alia, confirmed the incident.