By Newsie Events:-
The private residence of the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, Mr. Alfred Atera was on Thursday morning, invaded by unknown gunmen, who shot dead three police officers and two others in Katsina-Ala town.
According to the Vanguard, the Chairman who was said to be at his residence at the time of the attack escaped death narrowly as he was smuggled out of the house during the exchange of gunfire.
Eyewitnesses who do not want to be named said that the gunmen attacked the residence at about 11 am on motorbikes when several persons in the area had gathered to meet with the Council Chairman to seek assistance ahead of the Yuletide celebrations.
He said, “It happened like what we see in the movies, the people came on motorbikes shooting sporadically and trying to force their way into the private residence of the Chairman.
“They were initially resisted by the private security guard in the residence and when it became obvious that they were armed men who came looking for the Chairman, the Police personnel on duty at the time intervened but unfortunately three of the policemen lost their lives including the private security man in the house and one other person.
“Several other sustained bullet wounds while some got injured in the pandemonium that broke out during the exchange of gunfire.
“Though nobody knew who the gunmen were but the manner they carried out the operation was similar to those of the boys of a late militia leader who tormented Sankera axis of the state for several years,” he added Information Officer of the Council, Tertsea Benga, who confirmed on telephone that the attack occurred between 11am and 12 noon said “people were trooping into the residence of the Chairman for Christmas largesse when suddenly the gunmen struck, killing the three policemen and two other civilians including a gateman in the house.”
Deputy Superintendent, DSP, Catherine Anene, PPRO confirmed the attack and the death of the victims and said the command had opened an investigation into the matter.
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