There is no let-up yet on Benue as residents of Atukpu community, in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State have fled the community after gunmen suspected to be herdsmen killed two persons along Naka Road in the council headquarters.
Our correspondent gathered that one of the victims was murdered on Tuesday at Atukpu village, just one kilometre from Naka town, along the Taraku-Naka road while the second victim was murdered the same day along the Naka-Adoka road.
Locals from the area told our correspondent on phone that the continued killing of innocent residents of the area has sent fear down their spines as people are running away with a few of their belongings out of fear.
They expressed concern over the rising insecurity, saying all three major routes leading to Naka have become death traps due to incessant bandit attacks.
Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Mr. Victor Ormin, confirmed the incidents describing the situation as worsening on a daily basis.
He said: “A young man was killed on Taraku-Naka road while trying to get roofing materials for his house. Another person was murdered along the Adoka-Naka axis. This is happening almost daily now.”
He lamented that the Makurdi-Naka road is already unsafe as the entire town of Naka is gradually being encircled by criminal elements.
“These attacks are now occurring within five kilometres of the town. Naka is no longer safe. It is quite worrisome,” he added.
The council chairman expressed fears that the current security deployment may be overstretched, despite efforts by Governor Hyacinth Alia to combat the rising wave of insecurity.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, CSP Catherine Anene, said she would reach the DPO for confirmation.
