Two bandits have been killed by security operatives following a deadly attack on the farming community of Efeyi-Ogboju in Benue State.
The attackers killed several residents, including children, before rustling cattle and setting homes ablaze.
Panic erupted in Efeyi-Ogboju at dawn on Tuesday when heavily armed bandits invaded the community, rustled at least twenty cattle and opened fire on fleeing residents before setting houses ablaze.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, visited the community with tactical response teams to assess the damage and commended local vigilantes for resisting the attackers until security operatives arrived.
A joint security operation was immediately launched, leading to a fierce gun battle in nearby bushes.
Two of the attackers were killed, while an AK-47 rifle and fifteen rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
Residents who survived the attack say they have lost relatives, homes and food supplies, leaving many families in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
The affected communities are calling for permanent security deployments to prevent further attacks, as police continue the manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang.
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(Editor: Ada Ononye)
