Two people have been killed and more than 40 cattle stolen following an attack by armed gunmen on Okpafie community in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday night in Oyilawu village, located in the Okonobo Ward, where the attackers stormed the community and carried out the deadly raid.
According to residents, one of the victims, identified simply as Benjamin, was killed during the attack. The assailants also made away with over 40 cattle before fleeing the area.
A community source, who spoke anonymously, said many young people in the village were watching a football match when the gunmen struck, delaying efforts to respond. By the time residents mobilised, the attackers had already escaped with the stolen livestock.
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The source further disclosed that a local vigilante member was also killed at Aidogodo while attempting to stop the gunmen from escaping with the rustled cattle.
The latest attack adds to a string of violent incidents recorded in Benue State in recent days. It follows another assault on Sai community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, where several people were reportedly killed, many others injured, and homes set ablaze, forcing residents to flee.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the latest attack in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
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