By Our Reporter
Three people were killed and one injured following coordinated attacks by suspected gunmen across Buruku, Okokolo, and Naka Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
In Mbakura Mbagen village, Buruku LGA, five gunmen attacked around 3:30 a.m., killing John Kunde and Sughter Orbunde, both members of the state’s Civil Protection Guards. The assailants also abducted Aondowase Ager and seized a Bajaj motorcycle. The victims’ bodies were taken to the Ugbema mortuary, while security efforts continue to secure the release of the abductee.
Later, armed herders targeted Ejima community in Okokolo LGA at about 6:00 a.m., injuring Daniel Matthew with gunfire. Security personnel combed nearby areas to track the attackers and prevent further violence.
In a separate attack in Ammuneke village, Naka LGA, Akula Gugun, 27, and Odi Shimayoho, 28, were killed. Their bodies were removed to Agagbe morgue, and searches for the attackers remain ongoing.
In a related development, Benjamin Terver Awuna of Usen village, Buruku LGA, was arrested on suspicion of aiding the gunmen. Investigators allege that he collected airtime worth N6,000 from the herders to relay information that facilitated the attacks.