Horror in Ebonyi as gunmen kill five policemen, 16 murdered in Benue.

Horror in Ebonyi as gunmen kill five policemen, 16 murdered in Benue.

Gunmen on Friday killed five policemen in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

The policemen were reportedly attacked around 5am on Ebyia Bridge, along Hilltop/Nwoke road.

They were said to be on patrol when the attackers swooped on them at a checkpoint.

Following the development, the police have increased their surveillance in the city to any breakdown of law and order.

When contacted, the Commissioner of Police, Mrs Augustina Ogbodo, said she was in a meeting and was not disposed to respond to questions by journalists.

“I am in a meeting. Please you can call my spokesperson for information,” she said.

In Benue, a retired army officer, and 15 others were reportedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen in a Thursday evening attack on Wandor, Mbaikyor community in the Mbalom Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area.

The invaders were reported to have razed over 50 houses, farmlands and food barns in 11 settlements.
A survivor of the attack said the marauders numbering about 40 stormed the community at 7pm and opened fire on the locals.
Caretaker Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Mrs. Comfort Agbo, said, “Sixteen bodies have so far been recovered. Two were injured and are receiving treatment.
“Those who attacked and killed my people are suspected armed herdsmen. The security operatives are currently moving the bodies to the mortuary.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, confirmed the development.

She said the Police Commissioner was on his way to the scene of the attack for on-the-spot assessment.