From Murphy Ganagana, Jos
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herders, Monday invaded Tse Aondo and Tse Ankou communities in Benue State, allegedly killing seven persons.
Anti-riot policemen reportedly stormed the scene, following a distress call, but the armed men were said to have fled the villages on their arrival. Two expended shells of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from the scene by the police.
The attack was suspected to be a reprisal over an unidentified herdsman said to be missing after he visited Gbeji market within the communities on May 8. However, security sources said the incident had no link with the man’s disappearance.
Residents of the two communities have fled their homes for fear of further attacks. However, the State police command said it was on top of the situation as its Criminal Investigation Department has commenced probe of the incident.
Spokesman for the command, ASP Moses Yamu, could not be reached for comments as at the time of filing this report but a senior officer, who pleaded anonymity confirmed the attack.