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From: Rose Ejembi, Makurdi.
No fewer than 30 persons, including women and children, were reportedly shot dead with several other people sustaining various degrees of injury, on Monday, after yet-to-be identified gun men invaded Zaki Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Daily Sun also gathered that the attackers, who also set ablaze several houses and a filling station in the area, had stormed the Zaki Biam International Yam Market in motorbikes and Toyota Corolla cars popularly known as ‘Dog Yash’ and shot sporadically killing everyone in sight.
Sources from the area said the gunmen who came from Shitile area of Katsina-Ala went straight to the Yam Market at about 3:00pm and shot many people dead within minutes.
It was also gathered that people ran for dire lives, in the confusion as bullets rained on the area. Thus led to stampede as many, including children and women were gunned down.”
“Also, while the shooting and killing was going on, the armed men were also setting several houses and a filling station on fire after which they fled the scene. As I speak with you the affected buildings are still on fire and the entire area and it’s environs have been deserted with several persons still missing.”
The situation was said to have caused serious tension in the area, just as Governor Samuel Ortom has cancelled all government engagements for Tuesday to mourn those who were killed in the bloody incidence.
It was not clear at press time the reason for the attack and those behind the dastardly incidence which can only be compared to the 2001 Zaki-Biam Military invasion.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Commissioner, Bashir Makama who confirmed the attack however said the command was yet to confirm the number of death in the attack.
