By Ismail Danjuma

At least four persons, including three mourners, have been killed, while two others were abducted by suspected armed militia in Sati Ikov community, Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victims were reportedly attacked on Saturday night while returning from a burial, in what residents describe as an escalating pattern of violence in the area.

Several others sustained gunshot injuries during the incident, while the assailants also robbed residents of valuables, including motorcycles and personal belongings. Among those abducted were a well known patent medicine vendor and a Point of Sale operator within the community.

Confirming the attack, the Deputy Majority Chief Whip of the Benue State House of Assembly and member representing Mata State Constituency, Simon Gabo, condemned the killings and described the situation as alarming.

According to him, information received from residents indicated that the victims had attended a burial ceremony and were attacked while returning home in the early hours of Sunday.

He stated that the armed assailants killed three of the victims, dispossessed others of their belongings and abducted two individuals, all identified as young men.

The lawmaker further alleged that the attackers are suspected to be members of a militia group operating from neighbouring Katsina Ala Local Government Area, noting that they frequently cross into Ushongo communities to carry out attacks before retreating.

He explained that the difficult terrain, characterised by mountainous landscapes and dense forest, provides cover for the perpetrators and complicates security operations.

Gabo disclosed that the latest attack forms part of a broader pattern of recurring violence in the area over the past two weeks. He added that previous incidents had resulted in fatalities, injuries and the theft of motorcycles and other property.

He confirmed that the matter has been reported to the police, with the Divisional Police Officer deploying personnel to the affected community.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the police spokesperson were unsuccessful as at the time of filing this report.