A bloody attack by unknown gunmen on Adogo Ugbaam, Akpuuna, and Diom communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State has reportedly left no fewer than 27 people dead and several others with life-threatening injuries.
The armed men had, on Friday night, reportedly attacked a funeral at the Adogo Ugbaam community, where three mourners were killed.
Another gang also raided Akpuuna and Diom villages on Saturday morning at about 11 a.m., killing 24 people.
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According to a local, the gunmen invaded the villages on motorbikes, killing three mourners at Adogo Ugbaam village at about 9p.m., after which they invaded Akpuuna and Diom on Saturday morning, when the local market in the area was busy and filled to the brim.
He said: “Nobody saw this coming; the armed men stormed Diom and Akpuuna on motorbikes at about 11 a.m., when the local market in the community had picked up with activities after killing three mourners at Adogo Ugbaam village last night (Friday) at about 9p.m.
“At Akpuuna and Diom, they shot at anybody they saw, mercilessly killing the people in the market and the two neighboring villages.
“There was pandemonium; people ran for their lives, but many could not escape. Apart from those killed, many are still missing, and from all indications, that number will rise.
“After killing the people and injuring many, the armed men set fire to people’s property and fled the scene.
“As we speak, people are fleeing the attacked communities, but the search for missing persons is ongoing. It is a sad day for our people.”
Mr. Kartyo Tyoumbur, Chairman of Ukum LGA, confirmed the occurrence, saying that information at his disposal suggested that 24 corpse had been found in the two assaulted villages.
He said: “I learned that after attacking Akpuuna and Diom, the armed gang fled the scene, but on getting to the Tine-Nune community on the Zaki Biam-Wukari Road, they met the military, who confronted them.
“Though no one knows how many of them were killed, I believe some of them must have been neutralized in that exchange.”
The Chairman, who decried the attack, said no one knew the motive of the attackers.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene confirmed the development, saying, “At about 12 p.m., a militia gang invaded Akpuna village, Ukum LGA of Benue state, and were shooting sporadically.”
Upon receiving this information, police and other security services dashed to the area and attacked the robbers, who were eventually repulsed.
“Eight corpses were recovered at the scene, while many other injured people were taken to the hospital for treatment. The operation is ongoing in the area,” he added.
