At least six people have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Tse Ugema Chul, Mbakesa community, Ugbaam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack occurred on Saturday night, forcing many residents to flee the area.
A local source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that seven bodies had been recovered, while several others remain missing.
It was gathered that the violence erupted after local youths mobilized to chase away cattle that had strayed onto their farmlands, destroying crops.
The source explained, “As the youths attempted to drive out the cattle, gunmen who had been waiting in ambush opened fire, killing some of them. So far, six bodies have been recovered.”
After the killings, the attackers reportedly looted farm produce and destroyed properties in the community.
One of the victims, Michael Adeke, had recently posted on Facebook about repeated attacks in the area by armed herders, calling on residents to defend themselves.
The Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Jonathan Modi, who visited the scene, confirmed the attack, stating, “I am in Zaki Biam right now, and I am deeply pained by what happened. I cannot speak at the moment.”
However, the Benue State Police Command Spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to receive an official briefing on the incident.
Comments
Post a Comment