Armed men attacked the family of Iorwa Tersen Lawrence in the Amafu–Katsina Ala Road community, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue, demanding money that had been contributed for their mother’s burial.
The incident occurred five days after laying their mother to rest.
According to the family’s account, three unidentified gunmen stormed the compound, with two of them armed with firearms.
The attackers reportedly beat and tortured members of the household while demanding money contributed during the burial of their late mother, who died in a motor accident along the Amaafu–Katsina Road.
The attack left several family members injured and Lawrence’s father reportedly sustained a badly swollen leg, while Lawrence himself suffered a swollen hand.
An aunt and the wife of Lawrence’s uncle, who were present at the time, were also beaten and robbed.
Despite resistance from the victims, the assailants made away with all available cash and looted valuables from the house.
Items stolen include smartphones, a power bank, a shuttle bag, clothes, and other personal belongings.
The attackers also allegedly took away the late mother’s clothes.
The gunmen further worsened the family’s situation by stealing their motorcycle, their only means of transportation, leaving them stranded.
Speaking after the incident, Lawrence said the family is now grappling with trauma and uncertainty.
He disclosed that he recently reactivated a new Airtel SIM card after losing his phone during the attack.
The family is appealing to the public and relevant authorities for assistance and justice as they struggle to rebuild their lives following the devastating attack.
The Spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP, Udeme Edet could not be reached to confirm the incident at the time of filing this report.
