Gunmen kill 5 police officers, 16 others in Ebonyi, Benue

Gunmen reportedly killed five police officers on Friday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State's capital. The tragic incident took place around 5:00 am at Ebyia bridge along Hilltop/Nwoke road.

In a separate incident, a retired army officer and 15 others were allegedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen in an attack on Wandor, Mbaikyor community in the Mbalom Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State on Thursday evening.

Reports indicate that the invaders also burned over 50 houses, huts, farmlands, and food barns across 11 settlements during the attack.

This latest assault occurred approximately six years after a similar attack by armed herdsmen on St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor Parish, Mbalom Gwer East LGA, resulting in the deaths of two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners.

A survivor, speaking anonymously, recounted that around 40 well-armed assailants raided the community at about 7:00 pm, catching the locals off guard and opening fire indiscriminately.

Confirming the incident, Gwer East LGA Caretaker Chairman Mrs. Comfort Agbo stated, “At the moment, there is relative peace in Wandor community. Sixteen bodies have been recovered, with two injured individuals receiving treatment. The attackers, who killed my people, are suspected armed herdsmen. Security personnel are currently transporting the bodies to the mortuary.”

Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, confirmed the incidents and stated that the Police Commissioner was en route to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.