Eight feared killed as rival militia groups clash in Benue

At least, eight persons were reportedly killed in Ukum LGA of Benue State following a clash between rival militia groups who unleashed mayhem in Chiro and Gbeji villages.

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

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

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

One of the locals who spoke to DAILY POST in a phone conversation on Tuesday, said, “Five people were killed yesterday in Chitto, a suburb of Ukum LGA by militias.

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

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

He explained that, “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 the military in Zaki-Biam and yet they continue to operate like this. It is unfortunate.”

It was also reported that a Deacon of one of the Christian denominations, Nongov Mtsa was killed by the militias in presence of his wife and children when he could not afford the money demanded by them.

Meanwhile, the member representing Ukum State Constituency at the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Ezra Nyiyongo, confirmed the incident but said that information at his disposal was scanty.

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

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