Bandits kill guard after capture of ram thief in Benue

Gunmen on Friday invaded Tswarev/Ukemberakya council in the Logo Local Government Area of Benue State and killed one member of the Volunteer Community Guard.

A source from the area told journalists in Makurdi on Saturday that the gunmen laid ambush for members of the group between Iporza and Jootar around 7pm and shot at them.

“The incident happened around 7pm, where two personnel of the Community Volunteer Guard were on duty at the bad portion of the road near Tse Anhwam/Tswarev/Ukemberakya council ward,” the source said.

The source identified the deceased as Saater Apera from Tse Ukusa village.

The suspended Chairman of Logo LGA, Mrs Salome Tor, confirmed the incident.

She said, “On June 30, 2023, around 8pm, bandits attacked members of the 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 made away with the Bajaj (BM100) motorcycle belonging to BSCVG in UK/Tswarev council ward.

“The other victims are now receiving treatment at the council comprehensive healthcare centre, Iorza.”