’10’ gunned down as Benue gang war rages

Bandits have reportedly killed 10 people in Ukoosaa-Atam community of Borikyo Council Ward in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. Villagers said that the fresh killings took place on Monday in Ukoosaa-Atam community located one kilometre from Ayati rural town where three persons were gunned down barely 24 hours earlier. Our correspondent reports that […]

Bandits have reportedly killed 10 people in Ukoosaa-Atam community of Borikyo Council Ward in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

Villagers said that the fresh killings took place on Monday in Ukoosaa-Atam community located one kilometre from Ayati rural town where three persons were gunned down barely 24 hours earlier.

Our correspondent reports that some communities in Ukum LGA have allegedly become deserted in recent times following a renewed fight between two rival gangs in the area.

The villagers said that the bandits arrived on motorcycles and attacked a commercial tricycle (Keke), killing all the passengers and the driver onboard.

The bandits were also said to have attacked another commercial motorcycle rider with passengers and killed all of them. They reportedly opened fire on the surrounding houses.

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“In the end, a total of 10 people were killed,” a villager who preferred anonymity said.

The Benue State Special Adviser on Security & Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, said he was aware of the ongoing clashes between banditry groups in the area.

He, however, said his principal, Governor Hyacinth Alia, was working to address the insecurity in the area.

When contacted, the spokeswoman for the Benue Police, SP Catherine Anene, said she was not in town.