Suspected bandits have attacked Asase Ugbede settlement in Naka, the administrative headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area, leaving two people dead and several others injured.
The attack, which occurred around 8:30 pm on Tuesday, threw residents into panic as the assailants reportedly emerged from a bush path linking Tse Adagba and Tse Ankpev Road and began shooting indiscriminately.
A resident, Francis Ugbede, said the gunmen struck close to a military checkpoint, about 150 metres from the scene. He noted that soldiers stationed in Naka responded swiftly, preventing what he described as a potentially higher casualty figure.
According to him, those killed were a primary school teacher from Mbabwande Council Ward, identified as Christopher Mule, and his wife. He added that the teacher’s second wife sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment in hospital, while other victims have since been treated and discharged.
“The soldiers intervened quickly. If not for their response, more lives would have been lost,” Ugbede said, adding that the attackers fled before additional security reinforcements arrived.
The chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Victor Ormin, confirmed the attack but said he was still awaiting detailed reports on the number of casualties.
“One of the injured women was taken to Makurdi for medical attention, while another is being treated in Naka. Security personnel are carrying out a search operation, so I will provide further details when available,” he said.
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