From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Bandits have reportedly killed 10 persons in Ukum Local Government Area, (LGA), of Benue state.
This is coming barely 48 hours after two rival cult groups; Chain and Full Fire, clashed and killed over 27 residents and injuring others in same local government between Saturday and Sunday, 4th and 5th of November, 2023.
A source from the community who didn’t want to be named told newsmen on phone that the people were killed Monday evening at Ukoosaa-Atam, a community which is one kilometer after Ayati, in Ukum LGA.
He said the victims were the driver of the tricycle, popularly called Keke, his passengers, some other people who were riding on a bike and some community members.
The source said, “Unknown gunmen came and attacked a Keke killing all the passengers and the driver. One motorcycle, (Baja ) was also attacked killing the people on it. The surrounding houses also were attacked.
“The killings spot is Ukoosaa-Atam, a kilometer after Ayati town headquarters of Borikyo council ward ,Ukum LGA.
“This is one among the several attacks on the community.
“We are calling on the Benue State Government and Federal government to provide security as there is no single security in the area.”
He further called on the federal and state government to support and assist residents through the emergency agencies as their farm lands and houses are being destroyed.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, could not confirm as she said she was not in town as at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, PSP, said government is aware and deeply concerned with the security situation in the state and especially in the Sankara axis.
Har, who recalled that his boss, Rev Fr Alia, had during his electoral campaigns, promised the Benue people that he was coming so that people will rest, said the state government is not paying lip service to that promise but is doing all they can to reduce insecurity in the state to the barest minimum.
He said that government is adopting measures include using the carrot and stick approach to ensure that the boys are persuaded to come out of their hiding and embrace a new lease of life.