Herders kill two aid workers, six others in Benue

• Bandits, two policemen die in Niger gun battle • Medical doctor kidnapped in Kogi

SUSPECTED herdsmen have killed no fewer than eight persons in Guma Local Council of Benue State.

The Guardian gathered from the Local Council Chairman, Caleb Aba, that four persons were killed in Mbabai, three in Nzorov, among them two aid workers, and one in Uvir on Sunday night.

According to the chairman, there were no reported conflicts between the villagers and the herders; hence the attack baffled him.

His words: “I have directed that the deceased be buried immediately, but bodies of the two aid officials have been taken away by their organisation. It is members of Operation While Stroke ( OPWS) that evacuated the bodies. The matter has been reported to security operatives in the state.’”

Police spokesperson, Catherine Anene, confirmed that three persons were killed on their way to their farm in Guma.

IGER State Government has lauded the security operatives stationed at Kundu village in Rafi Local

Council of the state for repelling attack by armed bandits that claimed the lives of two police officers and unspecified number of criminals.

Governor Abubakar Bello, who made the commendation when he visited the security camp at Kundu to commiserate with the security personnel, said he was impressed with the response by the security forces, and assured that he would support the families of the slain police officers.

“No place is 100 per cent safe, but the state government will do everything possible to bring back peace to the state. We are investing in security equipment and other logistics to assist in the fight as well as reduce the casualty,” he added.

Bandits numbering over 100 had reportedly attacked the security camp and engaged the security agents in gun battle for two hours.

Kogi State, a medical doctor working with General Hospital Ugwolawo, Ofu Local Council, identified as Solomon Ndidiamaka, has been kidnapped by gunmen.

The Guardian gathered that the kidnappers forcefully took the medical practitioner away from the hospital premises around 8.30a. m. yesterday.

A statement by Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association ( NMA), Kogi chapter, Dr. Omakoji Oyiguh, and the secretary, Dr. Famotele Talorunju, confirmed the incident to newsmen yesterday evening.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO) in Kogi, DSP William Aya, said the command was not aware of the kidnap.