Gunmen attack Benue ex-CoS in Makurdi, abduct wife, maid

Gunmen attack Benue ex-CoS in Makurdi, abduct wife, maid

Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have attacked a former Chief of Staff to Benue Governor, Terwase Orbunde, shooting at him before abducting his wife and house maid.

Orbunde was Chief of Staff to former Governor Samuel Ortom and resigned to contest the governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He later joined the All Progressive Congress (APC) but eventually lost out of the race

The attack reportedly took place near the Genocide Cemetery along Mobile Barracks-Welfare Quarters Road in Makurdi, the state capital around 6pm on Friday.

The former Chief of Staff escaped with a gunshot on his right arm while the attackers abducted Mrs Abigail Kashimana Orbunde, and her house help, Patience Ogute.

Eyewitnesses said the trio had gone to inspect the weeding of their nearby farm.

They said after the inspection and payment of the workers, five gunmen suddenly attacked them as they walked back to the car.

It was reported that they shot Orbunde on the right arm and ordered the women to follow them to an unknown destination.

The shooting was said to have made villagers and passersby to scamper for safety in different directions.

As they marched along, the former Chief of Staff was said to be bleeding and was slowed down from walking.