At least eight persons have reportedly lost their lives, following a clash between two rival bandit groups in Ukum local government area of Benue State, North Central Nigeria.
Reports say the groups belong to two different communities, namely Chito and Gbeji.
News Central gathered that the tension starting brewing Monday, quickly escalating into a full blown killing rampage.
The perpetrators burnt markets and shot at people, allegedly killing five in the process.
In the words of one of the locals who spoke to the press:
“Five people were killed yesterday in Chito, a suburb of Ukum local government area by bandits.”
“They burnt the market. It was a different attack from that of the list livestock guard who was killed in Tine Nune. Four killed in Chito and one killed in the suburbs of Chito in two different attacks making five.”
State House of Assembly member representing Ukum LGA constituency, Ezra Nyiyongo who confirmed the incident, said he was yet to gather full details of the incident.
“I don’t stay there now, but when I heard of the incident I made a call to DPO who told me that three corpses were recovered so far and taken to the mortuary, beyond that I will need to confirm from him again,” he said.
State Command Spokesperson Catherine Anene when contacted however, said no information about the incident was not made available to her.
Only yesterday, News Central reported the brutal killing of the Benue Livestock Guards’ Commander, Jarule Likita in the same LGA.