The victims an elderly man, his two sons, and another young resident – were shot dead during a late-night invasion of their home around 2am on Tuesday.
Imande-Dem community in Uvir Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, has been thrown into fear and anger after four persons were reportedly killed in a suspected witchcraft-related attack.
The victims – an elderly man, his two sons, and another young resident – were shot dead during a late-night invasion of their home around 2am on Tuesday.
Residents say the violence followed allegations linking the elderly man to the recent death of a young man in the village, whose burial was scheduled for Wednesday.
A community source told Vanguard that tensions had been rising after some kinsmen accused the elderly man of being responsible for the death.
“A young man died recently in the village and the people accused the elderly man of being behind the death. They alleged he was a wizard responsible for deaths in the community,” the source said.
Recounting the attack, the source added, “Some of the community members sneaked into his compound around 2am, but a woman sighted them and raised alarm. A young man who came out to challenge them was immediately shot dead.
“The gunshots caused panic as people ran for safety. The attackers then went after the old man who was fleeing with his two sons. They shot and killed all three of them and left.”
The killings have left the community on edge, with residents demanding justice. “As we speak, there is tension. The family is demanding justice and insisting that those who made the witchcraft allegations must substantiate their claims,” the source said.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Maurice Orwough, condemned the attack and ordered a full-scale investigation.
In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Communication and Strategy, Ernest Tortiv, Orwough described the act as “gruesome” and unacceptable.
The statement added that Orwough visited the community to gather firsthand information and sympathise with the bereaved families.
He directed security agencies to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, stressing that such violence would not be tolerated.
He also called on community leaders and residents to reject jungle justice and allow law enforcement agencies to handle disputes, warning that taking the law into one’s hands could endanger lives and destabilise the area.
Orwough appealed for calm and assured that measures were being put in place to restore order and safeguard lives in the community.
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