Gunmen suspected to be armed herders have killed a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akaabo Johnson, along with three others during a violent attack on the Mbatsada communities in Mbalom and Mbasombo council wards of Gwer East Local Government Area, Benue State.

The assailants reportedly stormed the area around 4:35 p.m. on Tuesday in a coordinated, commando-style assault, opening fire indiscriminately and leaving four people dead.

Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Timothy Adi, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, describing it as an unprovoked attack. He noted that the assault was the second in the area within two weeks.

Adi said security personnel have now been deployed to protect boundary lines and prevent further violence. “Four bodies, including that of a senior APC member in the ward, were recovered and taken to St. Gregory Hospital morgue,” he said.

He urged residents, especially the youth, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement to security agencies, emphasizing the need for unity and resilience.

The council chairman also thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia for his swift intervention and support, which enabled the rapid deployment of security forces to the affected communities.

Attempts to reach the Benue State Police spokesperson, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful as calls to her line