Four killed in Benue over witchcraft allegation as LG Chairman orders probe

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

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, LGA of Benue State.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at about 2am, has thrown the community into tension, with residents demanding justice for the victims.

A source in the community disclosed that the elderly man, whose name was withheld, had been accused by some kinsmen of being responsible for the recent death of a young man in the area, whose burial was scheduled for Wednesday.

A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that the accusation triggered the deadly attack.

He said: “A young man died recently in the village and the people accused the elderly man of being behind the death. They alleged he was a wizard responsible for deaths in the community.”

According to him “some of the community members sneaked into his compound around 2am, but a woman sighted them and raised alarm. A young man who came out to challenge them was immediately shot dead. The gunshots caused panic as people ran for safety. The attackers then went after the old man who was fleeing with his two sons. They shot and killed all three of them and left.”

The source added that the development had escalated tension in the community as relatives of the deceased demanded for justice. “As we speak, there is tension. The family is demanding justice and insisting that those who made the witchcraft allegations must substantiate their claims,” he said.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Guma LGA, 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 act as “gruesome” and unacceptable.

The statement noted that the Chairman who visited the community to obtain firsthand information and commiserate with the bereaved families “expressed deep concern over the unfortunate loss and gathered on-the-spot details from residents on what transpired.”

Orwough directed security agencies to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, stressing that such violence would not be tolerated.
He also emphasized that Uvir Ward had been one of the most peaceful areas in Guma, warning that any attempt to destabilize the community would be resisted.

The chairman appealed for calm and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies investigating the incident.

Orwough further reassured residents of his administration’s commitment to ensuring security, particularly for farmers, expressing optimism of a productive farming season across the area.

In response, community members pledged to support efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.