Gunmen Thursday attacked the residence of the CHAIRMAN of the Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue state, Mr. Alfred Atera, killing three policemen and two civilians.
The gunmen, who were said to be heavily armed, invaded the house around 11 a.m. in an attempt to assassinate the council boss but met stiff resistance from the security men, a situation which resulted to the casualties.
Spokesperson of Benue state police command, DSP Catherine Sewuese Anene confirmed the attack and killing.
“The incident is confirmed. Three policemen were killed and investigation has commenced,” she said.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Samuel Ortom, condemned the attack on the chairman’s residence which resulted to the killing of the five persons.
The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, described the attack which took place at the chairman’s Katsina-Ala residence as unacceptable and urged security operatives to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Governor Ortom condemned in strong terms, the assassination attempt on the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, Hon Alfred Atera earlier today (yesterday), in which three security men and two civilians were killed.
“He assures the people of Sankera and other parts of the state that his administration will not relent in its collaboration with security agencies to curb criminal activities in all ramifications.
“Governor Ortom commiserates with families of those who lost their lives during the attack on Atera’s house and states that their killers will not escape justice,” he stated.
