Armed men suspected to be bandits have killed twenty four persons and injured several others, after an attack on Zaki Akpuuna 1 and Diom communities of Mbaterem district in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The gunmen were said to have attacked the communities around 8.00am on Saturday.
They also set some houses on fire, according to a resident, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity.
He said: “The bandits attacked Zaki Akpuuna and killed 24 people. You know that the three local government areas in the Sankera axis had long been under these local bandits headed by late Terwase Akwaza aka Gana. And since he was killed, his men have divided and are controlled by different leaders.
“The cause of this attack is not known yet but the information we got was that gunmen numbering about 20 invaded Akpuuna and other villages in Ukum LGA and killed many people and burnt down several houses. At least, 24 bodies have been recovered and the search is still on to find those missing.”
The Council Chairman, Mr. Kartyo Tyoumbur, who confirmed that 24 bodies were recovered from the two villages, said: “I learnt that after they attacked Akpuuna and Diom, the armed gang went to Tine-Nune community on Zaki Biam-Wukari Road, where the military confronted them.
“Though no one knows how many of them were killed, I believe some of them must have been neutralized in that exchange.”
Also, the police spokesperson in the state, Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack.
According to a statement by her on Saturday: “Today 8/7/2023 around 12.00pm, a militia gang invaded Akpuna village, Ukum LGA of Benue State, and shot sporadically.
“Upon receipt of this information, police teams, in collaboration with other security agencies, rushed to the area and engaged these bandits, who were eventually repelled.
“Eight corpses were recovered at the scene while many other injured persons were taken to a hospital for treatment. Operation is ongoing in the area.”
