GUNMEN, suspected to be armed herdsmen have reportedly attacked Anwase Market in Mbaikyor, Kwande LGA of Benue State.
The attack is believed to have led to the death of 13 people, with several women abducted and the main market in the area set ablaze on Friday afternoon.
The armed herdsmen, according to residents, were said to have emerged from a nearby mountain, firing sporadically in the air to scare the people in market before setting shops and stalls on fire.
Ibi Andrew, an aide to the Kwande LG Chairman, who confirmed the incident, said 13 persons lost their lives during the assault.
He noted that the council chairman, Vitalis Neji, in collaboration with security agencies, had moved to the area to restore calm and prevent further violence.
Residents said the gunmen, after launching the attack, made away with their captives toward the surrounding mountain before the arrival of security operatives.
Describing the state of the market, an eyewitness said that the fire had already spread across the market by the time locals attempted to forestall further spread, forcing traders and residents to disperse for safety.
The unexpected attack on the community left many residents of the area in trauma as many are still looking for their love ones
As at the time of this, efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command for comments were not successful, as repeated calls and messages were not returned.
