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Gunmen on Saturday invaded Zaki Akpuuna 1 and Diom communities of Mbaterem district within the Ukum Native Authorities Space of Benue State, killing 24 residents.
Ukum is likely one of the three hotspots within the Sankera axis, the place bandits suspected to be gang members of the slain Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana, maintain sway. Different hotspots are Emblem and Katsina Ala.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the gunmen invaded the sleepy communities round 8am on Saturday.
Locals, who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone, stated the attackers burnt a number of homes in adjourning villages.
An indigene, who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone on situation of anonymity, stated the bandits attacked Zaki Akpuuna and killed 24 folks.
The native stated, “You recognize that the three native authorities areas within the Sankera axis had lengthy been below these native bandits headed by Gana and since he was killed, his males have divided and are managed by completely different leaders.
“The reason for this assault shouldn’t be identified but however the data we obtained was that gunmen numbering about 20 invaded Akpuuna and different villages in Ukum LGA and killed many individuals and burnt down a number of homes. At the very least, 24 our bodies have been recovered and the search remains to be on to seek out these lacking.”
The council Chairman, Mr Kartyo Tyoumbur, confirmed that 24 our bodies have been recovered from the 2 attacked villages.
He stated, “I learnt that after they attacked Akpuuna and Diom, the armed gang went to Tine-Nune group on Zaki Biam-Wukari Street, the place the army confronted them.
“Although nobody is aware of what number of of them have been killed, I imagine a few of them should have been neutralised in that trade.”
The chairman, who decried the assault, stated nobody knew the motive behind it.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the assault in a press release on Saturday.
She stated, “In the present day 8/7/2023 round 12pm, a militia gang invaded Akpuna village, Ukum LGA of Benue State, and shot sporadically.
“Upon receipt of this data, police groups, in collaboration with different safety businesses, rushed to the world and engaged these bandits, who have been finally repelled.
“Eight corpses have been recovered on the scene whereas many different injured individuals have been taken to a hospital for therapy. Operation is ongoing within the space.”
Efforts to get the spokesman for Operation Whirl Stroke, Flt Lt. D.O. Oquah, weren’t profitable as his cellphone didn’t join.
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