From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
Gunmen have attacked members of Benue State Community Volunteer Guards (BSCVG), killed one and injured another in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
A suspended Councillor representing Tswarev/Ukemberakya council ward in the Ukum LGA, Hon. Jonathan Tyonongo, told Sunday Sun that the incident took place on Friday, June 30th, 2023, in the evening.
He said,: “In my ward, Tswarev/Ukemberakya council ward, yesterday, around 7pm, gunmen blocked the road between Iorza and Jootar where the road is bad near Tse Anhwam Tswarev/Ukemberakya council ward, and killed one volunteer guard, Saater Apera from Tse Ukusa village in Tswarev and injured another, Batholomew Mou from Mou village in Ukemberakya village.”
Tyonongo said the injured person was in the hospital at Anyiin Local Government Area of the state, where he was receiving treatment, while the corpse of the dead guard had been deposited at the mortuary.
He also called on the state government and security agencies to deploy security personnel to his area saying, “there is no police presence in my area as I speak to you. We are here by God’s protection.”
The suspended chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Salome Tor, also confirmed the report, explaining that some armed bandits attacked and killed one personnel of the State Community Volunteer Guard.
She said, “On 30th June, 2023 at about 8:00 pm armed bandits attacked members of Benue State Community Volunteer Guard at Tse Anwhwan on Iorza – Jootar road while returning from Ugba Police Divisional Headquarters where they took a criminal who was caught with a stolen ram.
“They ambushed and opened fire on the victims and murdered Mr. Saater Apera. They also shot and injured Mr. Bartholomew and one other.
The bandits also made away with the Bajaah (BM100) motorcycle belonging to BSCVG in Ukemberakya/Tswarev council ward.
“The other victims are now receiving treatment at the Local Government Comprehensive Healthcare Centre, Iorza.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to be informed about the incident.