In a shocking incident, suspected gunmen stormed a Christian Pentecostal Church in Akenawe, Tswarev in Ukemberagya/Tswarev council ward of Logo local government area in Benue State. The gunmen opened fire on the worshippers during Sunday morning healing service, killing one person and capturing the resident pastor and four other worshippers. This barbaric attack has been strongly condemned by the community leader and president of Gaambe-Tiev Youths Association (GYA), Dr Hemen Terkimbi.
According to locals in the area, the injured have been taken to different hospitals in Ugba and Anyiim areas of Logo local government area. The head of Akemkpa, Zaki Tyokase Ingyutu, was among the injured and suffered head wounds. Meanwhile, the captured individuals, including the pastor, Gwadue Kwaghtyo, have been taken to an unknown location.
The attack has caused shock and outrage in the community, with many calling for urgent action to be taken to prevent such incidents from happening again. The police public relations officer Catherine Anene has said that she is yet to receive the reports, while the chairman of Logo council, Salome Tor, has reported a similar incident where a church in one of the wards went for a vigil and was surrounded by herders who kidnapped three people, killed one boy and butchered two people with machetes.
The incident highlights the need for increased security measures and better protection for places of worship. Such attacks can cause long-lasting trauma and have a significant impact on the affected communities. It is imperative that the authorities take urgent action to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.
In conclusion, the attack on the church in Benue is a tragic reminder of the need for greater security measures and protection for places of worship. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families, and we urge the authorities to take swift action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
