The woman who the armed attackers abducted in Anwase, Kwande Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, was released by her abductors after she was held briefly, local sources say.
Anwase came under armed attack on Friday, February 6, a day after five were killed in the neighbouring Abande town. Local sources say no life was lost in the Anwase attack, as the majority of residents had fled the border town long before the attack.
Chairman of Kwande Local Government Council (LGC), Mr Vitalis Neji, visited the community after armed mobile police operatives had been deployed.
Akade Emmanuel, said the Chairman was briefed by the community leader, Ortar Anwase, Chief Zaki Terna Tyôulugh, who said the attackers emerged from the mountainous area, gaining access into Anwase market, where they looted items from a shop and made away with some vehicles as residents fled for safety.
According to the account, a woman was briefly abducted but later released after questioning by her abductors, who demanded to know if she had a male child.
“The community leader and other residents, however, confirmed that no lives were lost and no houses were burnt during the incident, contrary to reports circulating in some quarters, including social media,” a statement from the chairman’s office reads in part.
Lawrence Akerigba, who spoke with TNT from Jato-Aka, confirmed that security was seen moving in response to the attack.
He called for enhanced surveillance and regular patrols of the flash areas to provide local populations with security.
Police have yet to issue any statement on the attack.
