Armed men attacked people going to church in the Gbagir community near Ukum, Benue State, during Good Friday services. At least ten people died when attackers carrying AK-47 rifles came early morning as residents headed to worship. Many others suffered injuries in the violence that started around 6:00 AM. Local people began taking dead bodies to their traditional ruler's palace because they felt abandoned by government officials.
A resident told reporters the attackers first hit the nearby Chito community on Thursday, killing two people before moving to Gbagir on Friday. About 25 wounded victims need medical care with uncertain chances of recovery. The community member complained that no security forces ever helped during these repeated attacks. Police spokesperson Catherine Anene did not answer calls requesting information about the incident. Locals fear that more violence might happen without proper protection from authorities.
A resident told reporters the attackers first hit the nearby Chito community on Thursday, killing two people before moving to Gbagir on Friday. About 25 wounded victims need medical care with uncertain chances of recovery. The community member complained that no security forces ever helped during these repeated attacks. Police spokesperson Catherine Anene did not answer calls requesting information about the incident. Locals fear that more violence might happen without proper protection from authorities.
