In a tragic incident on Sunday, May 12, 2024, suspected bandits launched a deadly attack on Tse-Akanga in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, resulting in the loss of two lives, as confirmed by the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene.
The attack occurred around 3:05 PM, claiming the lives of Songer Shishima Ieeveh and Aondohemba Alaga, leaving the affected communities in shock and grief.
Residents expressed distress over the apparent absence of any security presence in the area at the time of the attack. They voiced frustrations and feelings of abandonment by the government, whose primary duty is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
A resident of the community, Terdue, lamented the lack of security presence before or after the incident. He described the harrowing events: “They shot Songer in the head, and Aondohemba was shot in the legs before he was finished off. After the incident, no security came; it was boys who mobilized and provided security for their burial. As we are speaking, no police or soldiers have even come around.”
SP Sewuese Anene, when pressed for information on the absence of security personnel in the area, did not respond to further inquiries.
Approached for comment, a government official who chose to remain anonymous claimed ignorance of the incident but suggested that security agencies were likely pursuing the attackers. However, despite these assurances, no security personnel had visited the area even 24 hours after the attack, further exacerbating the residents' sense of vulnerability and fear.
Residents continue to express deep concern over the lack of security provision, emphasizing the critical importance of immediate action to ensure their safety and prevent future incidents of this nature.