Tension as gunmen raid Benue market, kidnap women, burn stalls

Suspected armed herdsmen on Friday afternoon attacked Anwase Market in Mbaikyor, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, abducting several market women and setting parts of the market on fire.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers came down from a nearby mountain and began shooting into the air, causing traders and residents to flee in panic. They reportedly went on to burn market stalls before seizing a number of women.

It was gathered that the assailants escaped with the victims towards the mountainous area surrounding the community before security agencies could arrive at the scene.

Residents said the attack left the market deserted, while efforts were being made to trace the abducted women.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that the market was already engulfed in flames by the time residents could organise a response, adding that many traders fled in different directions to escape the attack.

Meanwhile, several calls, messages to the Benue state police PRO were unsuccessful

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