What should have been a peaceful period of mourning in Benue State turned into fear and confusion when armed men attacked a grieving family, demanding money that had reportedly been raised during a funeral.
The incident occurred in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, just days after the family buried their mother, who had died in a traffic accident. While the family was still grieving, three unidentified armed men stormed their compound and demanded the money contributed by relatives and supporters for the funeral.
The family members stated that the attackers appeared to have prior knowledge of the funeral and the funds involved. When the family hesitated, the situation turned violent, with several people beaten and injured. The father reportedly suffered a leg swelling, while others were injured during the attack.
According to reports, the armed men took cash and personal belongings, including cell phones, clothing, and other household items. In a disturbing turn of events, they also took items belonging to the deceased woman. The attackers reportedly stole the family’s only motorcycle, leaving them stranded and unable to seek help after the incident.
The attack has raised troubling questions in the community about how criminals are monitoring and exploiting private family events. Residents have expressed fear that even moments of mourning are no longer safe, as criminals appear to target families at their most vulnerable.
At the time the incident became public, there was no official statement from law enforcement agencies confirming the details or providing information on any arrests. This silence has heightened anxiety in the area, with many calling for increased security and a faster response to protect families from similar attacks.
For many in Benue, the incident is a painful reminder that insecurity continues to overshadow everyday life, turning even funeral rites into scenes of fear and trauma.
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