One trader has been killed with seven others injured as bandits who disguised as buyers opened fire on traders in Abaji market, Kastina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Sewuese Anene who confirmed the incident said the bandits were eventually repelled by the joint operation of police and other security agencies.

The incident occurred at 6.30 pm when the traders were closing for the day.

“At about 6.30 pm while traders were closing from Abaji market in Katsina-Ala LGA, bandits who disguised themselves as buyers started shooting sporadically and killed one person while nine others were injured.

“Joint operation of police and other security agencies returned fire and repelled the bandits to the forest with gunshot injuries where they have been cordoned for search,” the police spokesperson said.

He added that “corpse of the deceased has been deposited at Primary Health Care Center Abaji while injured persons are receiving medical attention at General Hospital Kastina-Ala.

More patrol teams have been drafted to the scene to assist officers on ground cordon and search operation. (Text, excluding headline, courtesy Channels TV)

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