Gunmen reportedly killed five police officers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, around 5:00 am at Ebyia bridge, along Hilltop/Nwoke road. In a separate incident, a retired army officer and 15 others were reportedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen in an attack on Wandor, Mbaikyor community in Benue State. The invaders also razed over 50 houses, huts, farmlands, and food barns in 11 settlements.
This attack comes six years after a similar incident by armed herdsmen on St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor Parish, Mbalom Gwer East LGA, which claimed the lives of two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners. A survivor of the recent attack stated that about 40 well-armed assailants stormed the community at about 7:00 pm and opened fire on the locals.
Confirming the incident, the Caretaker Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Mrs. Comfort Agbo, reported that there is relative peace in Wandor community, with 16 bodies recovered so far and two injured individuals receiving treatment. The attackers are suspected to be armed herdsmen, and security operatives are moving the bodies to the mortuary.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, stating that the Police Commissioner was en route to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
