No fewer than 24 people were reportedly killed by gunmen on Saturday, at Zaki Akpuuna 1 and Diom communities of Mbaterem district in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.
The gunmen were said to have stormed the two communities and adjourning villages at about 8:00 am on Saturday and shot indiscriminately killing several people and also set ablaze some houses.
According to natives who spoke to Sunday Tribune on the phone but pleaded not to be mentioned said that the gunmen attacked Zaki Akpuuna Saturday morning and killed 24 people.
“No one can give the reason behind this morning’s attack but the information we heard was that some gunmen numbering about 20 invaded Akpuuna and other villages in Ukum local government and killed many people and burnt down several houses.
“At least, 24 bodies have been recovered and the search is still on to find missing people,” the source said.
Chairman of Ukum local government, Mr Kartyo Tyoumbur confirmed the attack and said that 24 bodies had been recovered from the two attacked villages.
He said, “I learned that after they attacked Akpuuna and Diom, the armed gang fled the scene but on getting to Tine-Nune community on the Zaki Biam-Wukari Road they met the military who confronted them.
“Though no one knows how many of them was killed but I believe some of them must have been neutralised in that exchange.”
The Chairman who decried the attack said no one knew the motive behind the attack.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene who confirmed the attack said that eight corpses have so far been recovered.
Anene said, “Today 8/7/2023 at about 12 pm, a militia gang invaded Akpuna village, Ukum LGA of Benue state and were shooting 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 hospital for treatment. Operation is ongoing in the area.
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