Mr Terwase Orbunde, former Chief of Staff to former Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, was attacked in Makurdi on Friday evening by suspected armed herders who also abducted his wife and house help.
According to a statement on the verified social media page of his close associate, Mr Tahav Agerzua, the former CoS, his wife, Abigail, and maid Patience Ogute were attacked at his farm near the Genocide Cemetery on Mobile Barracks-Welfare Quarters Road on the outskirts of the state capital at around 6 p.m.
According to eyewitnesses, the victims went to inspect the wedding of their farm, which is along the road, when they were attacked by armed men.
He said, “They said after the inspection of the work and payment of the workers five gunmen suddenly attacked their victims as they walked back to their car.
“It was reported that they opened fire and Honorable Orbunde received a bullet on the right arm while they ordered him and the women to follow them to an unknown destination.
“The shooting was said to have caused villagers and passersby to scamper for safety in different directions.
“As they marched along, the former Chief of Staff was said to be bleeding profusely and unable to walk quickly.
“The witnesses who watched from a distance said the leader of the group ordered him to walk away while the gunmen took the women to an unknown destination while good Samaritans conveyed Mr Orbunde to hospital.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene confirmed the development.