Again, 8 persons killed as rival bandit groups clash in Benue

BY PHILIP AGADA / MAKURDI

About eight people were reportedly killed by local bandits in two communities of Chitto and Gbeji in Ukum local government Area of Benue state.

The incident happened between Monday and Tuesday when the bandits were said to have engaged themselves in a killing spree.

It will be recalled that a ward commander of Benue State Livestock Guard was killed in the local government area on Sunday.

According to natives from the council, and who did not want to be mentioned said five persons were killed in Chitto on Monday, while another three were killed in Gbeji on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

One of the locals who spoke to journalists in a phone conversation on Tuesday, said, “Five people were killed by bandits yesterday in Chitto, a suburb of Ukum Local Government Area of the State.

“They burnt the market. It was a different attack from that of the list livestock guard who was killed in Tine Nune. Four killed in Chitto and one killed in the suburbs of Chitto in two different attacks making five.

Another source from Ukum LG also told journalists that the bandits killed three persons on Tuesday along Sankera-Chitto road.

He explained, “To the best of my knowledge, the bad guys are fighting themselves. I think that is the summary of what is happening there. One faction is facing the other. We have the presence of military in Zaki-Biam and yet they continue to operate like this. It is unfortunate.

Meanwhile , a member representing the state constituency at the house of assembly, Ezra Nyiyongo confirmed the incident but said that information at his disposal was scanty.

“You know I don’t stay there now but when I heard of the incident I made a call to DPO who told me that three corpses were recovered so far and taken to the mortuary, beyond that I will need to confirm from him again,” the lawmaker said.

Contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene said she was yet to receive the information.

Editor

Jude Ossai (JP) a veteran journalist is a National Diploma holder in Mass Communication from Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. He also studied at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu and Imo State University, Owerri for his first and second degrees in Mass Communication, respectively. He writes extensively on politics, crime, corruption, climate change, healthcare, human rights, social justice, among others.