Gunmen Attack Bereaved Family in Benue, Demand Burial Donations Days After Mother’s Funeral

Armed men have attacked a grieving family in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, assaulting relatives and carting away cash and valuables while demanding money realised during the burial of the family’s matriarch.

The attack occurred just five days after the burial, plunging the household into renewed trauma at a time they were still mourning their loss.

The family of Iorwa Tersen Lawrence, residents of the Amafu–Katsina-Ala Road community, said three unidentified gunmen stormed their compound, with at least two of the assailants armed.

According to the account given by the victims, the attackers beat and tortured members of the household while insisting they hand over money contributed by sympathisers during the burial of Lawrence’s mother, who reportedly died in a motor accident along the Amafu–Katsina-Ala Road.

Several family members sustained injuries during the ordeal. Lawrence’s father reportedly suffered a severely swollen leg, while Lawrence himself sustained injuries to his hand. An aunt and the wife of Lawrence’s uncle were also beaten and robbed during the attack.

Despite resistance from the family, the gunmen made away with all available cash and looted personal belongings, including mobile phones, a power bank, clothes, a shuttle bag and other valuables. The attackers were also said to have taken away the late woman’s clothes.

The family’s hardship was compounded when the assailants stole their motorcycle, described as their only means of transportation, leaving them stranded and vulnerable.

Speaking after the incident, Lawrence said the family is struggling to recover from the psychological and physical impact of the attack. He disclosed that he had to reactivate a new SIM card after losing his phone during the robbery.

The family has appealed to the public and relevant authorities for help and justice, saying they fear further attacks as they try to rebuild their lives.

Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Command for official confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. The police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment.