By EMMANUEL ANTSWEN

The Police Command in Benue on Thursday confirmed the killing of three persons in Mbasombo community of Gwer East Local Government Area by assailants.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi.

Anene told NAN that the incident took place on Wednesday night.

“Three persons were killed and some injured while several houses were razed by the attackers.

“Security operatives have been deployed in the area,” she said.

Meanwhile, a survivor from the village, John Terwase, said the heavily armed invaders stormed the village under the cover of darkness, shooting indiscriminately and burning several houses.

Terwase said the attack sent waves of panic throughout the community, with many residents fleeing into surrounding bushes and nearby villages.

“We were already asleep when we heard gunshots coming from the direction of the farmlands.

“At first, we thought it might be thieves, but then the shooting became intense.

“We ran with our children, some without shoes, into the night. I have not seen my younger brother since then.

“This is a massacre, not just an attack. Our village is just seven minutes’ drive away from Makurdi, the state capital. If we are not safe here, where are we supposed to be safe?” he asked.

According to residents, the casualty figure could be higher, as many villagers are missing while injured ones are receiving treatment in makeshift shelters and nearby clinics.

Mbasombo is a farming community on the outskirts of Makurdi. (NAN)