Gunmen attack Nigeria’s Benue State killing 24

July 9, 2023 Elwin Mandowa

Suspected gunmen have attacked some communities in Nigeria’s Benue State, killing 24 residents.

The bandits believed to be gang members of the slain Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana, invaded several communities.

Reports media say the attackers burnt several houses in villages. An indigene, who spoke on condition of animosity described how the 24 residents were killed.

“You know that the three local government areas in the Sankera axis had long been under these local bandits headed by Gana and since he was killed, his men have divided and are controlled by different leaders.

The cause of this attack is not known yet but the information we got was that gunmen numbering about 20 invaded Akpuuna and other villages in Ukum LGA and killed many people and burnt down several houses. At least, 24 bodies have been recovered and the search is still on to find those missing”, the witness said.

– Advertisement –

The council Chairman, Mr Kartyo Tyoumbur, has confirmed the attack and the casualties to the media.

“I learnt that after they attacked Akpuuna and Diom, the armed gang went to Tine-Nune community on Zaki Biam-Wukari Road, where the military confronted them.Though no one knows how many of them were killed, I believe some of them must have been neutralised in that exchange,” he said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, in a statement also confirmed the incident.

“Today 8/7/2023 around 12pm, a militia gang invaded Akpuna village, Ukum LGA of Benue State, and shot 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 a hospital for treatment. Operation is ongoing in the area”, she said.

Attacks like have become very common in Nigeria with security agencies struggling to bring them under control.