Four persons, including an elderly man and his two sons, have been killed in a suspected witchcraft-related attack in Imande-Dem community, Uvir Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area in Benue State.The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at about 2am, plunging the community into tension as residents called for justice for the victims.A community source said the elderly man, whose identity was withheld, had been accused by some members of the area of being responsible for the recent death of a young man, whose burial was scheduled for Wednesday.According to the source, the allegation sparked the deadly attack.“A young man died recently in the village and some people accused the elderly man of being behind his death. They claimed he was a wizard responsible for several deaths in the community,” the source said.The source further explained that a group of residents allegedly stormed the man’s compound at about 2am, but the attack turned violent when they were challenged.“Some of them sneaked into his compound, but a woman raised the alarm. A young man who came out to confront them was shot dead immediately. The gunshots caused panic, and people started running. The attackers went after the elderly man who was fleeing with his two sons and shot all three of them,” he added.The killings have since heightened tension in the area, with family members and residents demanding justice and accountability over the incident.“As we speak, there is tension. The family is demanding justice and insisting that those behind the witchcraft allegation must prove their claims,” the source said.Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Maurice Orwough, condemned the killings and ordered a full-scale investigation.In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Communication and Strategy, Ernest Tortiv, the chairman described the incident as “gruesome” and unacceptable.He said Orwough visited the community to assess the situation, commiserate with bereaved families, and obtain firsthand information on the attack.The chairman directed security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible, insisting that such acts of violence would not be tolerated.He noted that Uvir Ward had previously enjoyed relative peace, warning that any attempt to disrupt the stability of the area would be firmly resisted.Orwough also appealed for calm and urged residents to cooperate with security operatives as investigations continue.He further assured residents of his administration’s commitment to security, particularly for farmers, expressing optimism for a peaceful and productive farming season.Community members reportedly pledged their support to security agencies to ensure that those behind the killings are brought to justice.
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