Father, mother, four children, others slaughtered in fresh attacks in Benue

Ceaseless attacks on Benue State by people suspected to be bandits have claimed the lives of a man, his wife and their four children.

Also killed are four others in a bloody attack on a community near an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Abagena in Makurdi council area.

Some of the victims were beheaded and their heads taken away, Persecondnews learnt on Friday.

According to witnesses, eight other people were seriously injured in the bloodletting and have been taken to the hospital for treatment.

More fatalities may rise as three others who were shot by the bandits on their chests may not survive.

“Some of the victims were beheaded and their heads taken away. The bushes are still being combed in search of more victims.

“A man, his wife and four children were all wiped out in the attack.

“The casualty figure may likely rise as three other persons who were fatally shot on the chest may not survive the injuries,” the witnesses said.

Benue police spokesman, SP Sewuese Anene confirmed the attacks but that the casualty figures have not been ascertained.

He said policemen have been deployed to the area to forestall further attacks.