Nine people were killed when opposing local militias engaged in a free-for-all in Atumbe, Mbatyula council ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State.
Several homes were reportedly burned down during the three-day onslaught.
According to local accounts, the incident occurred between Monday and Wednesday, when competing factions assaulted themselves.
The source could not determine the exact origin of the attack but attributed it to power play amongst the parties.
According to one local, the problem began on Monday in Mbatyula council ward and has expanded to Mbayongo council ward in the same local government.
“On Tuesday, the armed men stormed Atumbe, a settlement in Mbatyula council ward, setting houses ablaze and making away with some properties.
“Same day, the group moved to Kur Hile, another settlement in Mbatyula, where they also burned some houses. The same thing happened at Anyom settlement, still in Mbatyula council ward, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, where seven people were killed. and several houses burned to ashes.”
Another neighbor claimed that the dead terrorist leader, Terwase Akwaza, called Gana, was born in Mbayongo Council Ward in Benue State.
Though the police in Benue state, through their spokesperson, Catherine Anene, indicated they had yet to receive information about the attacks, the temporary chairman of the local government, Zamzam Francis, acknowledged the occurrence and stated that nine people were slain.
Francis said, “Really, the incident happened. It’s between the rival militias. It’s among themselves. They are burning the houses of innocent people, and many people are suffering.
“That is what is happening. Nine people were killed between Monday and now (Thursday).
