How Suspected Herdsmen Killed Worshipper, Abducted Pastor, Others In Benue Church Attack
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Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia in the wee hours of Sunday invaded a vigil ground at Christians Pentecostal Church located at Akenawe, Tswarev in Ukemberagya/Tswarev council ward of Logo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, killed one person and abducted four other worshippers during the attack.
The Resident Pastor of the Church was reported to be one of the victims abducted in the incident.
Locals said the incident happened while the congregation were at a vigil service in the early hours of Sunday.
The suspected herdsmen were said to have opened fire on the congregation, killed a young worshipper, butchered many and took away others, including the Resident Pastor.
A community leader and President, Gaambe-Tiev Youths Association (GYA), Dr Hemen Terkimbi, confirmed to newsmen that one person was killed during the attack while the church Resident Pastor, Gwadue Kwaghtyo, was abducted.
He said five people, including the acting Head of Akemkpa, Zaki Tyokase Ingyutu, sustained injuries and were being treated at different hospitals in Ugba and Anyiim rural towns of Logo LGA.
Dr Hemen Terkimbi described the attack as barbaric which must be condemned in strong terms.
He said it is unfortunate that innocent defenseless worshippers could be attacked by heartless persons while worshipping God on such a Holy day.
Dr Hemen called on security personnel to comb all nooks and crannies of the areas to ensure that the attackers are arrested to face the wrath of the law.
On his part, the Chairman of Logo LGA, Mrs Salome Tor, confirmed that the incident happened in the early hours of Sunday.
“It was early this morning (yesterday). A church in one of the wards went for vigil. As they were praying, they were surrounded by the armed men.
“They kidnapped three people, killed one boy and injured two people with machete; they are now in the hospital,” the chairman said.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, could not be reached to confirm the incident.
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