Some gunmen have reportedly killed 24 residents in Zaki Akpuuna 1 and Diom communities of Mbaterem district in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, North Central Nigeria.
SaharaReporters gathered the killing occurred on Saturday morning, when the terrorists invaded the communities around 8am.
Locals, who spoke to The PUNCH on the latest attack, said that the attackers did not only massacre the residents including women and children but also burnt down several houses in adjourning villages.
One of the locals, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the gunmen attacked Zaki Akpuuna Saturday morning and killed 24 people.
The local said, “You know that the three local government areas in Sankera axis had long been under these local bandits headed by Gana, and since he was killed his men have divided and been controlled by their leaders.
“The cause of this morning attack is not known yet but the information we heard was that some gunmen numbering about 20 invaded Akpuuna and other villages in Ukum local government and killed many people and burnt down several houses.
“At least, 24 bodies have been recovered and the search is still on to find missing people."
The chairman of Ukum local government, Mr Kartyo Tyoumbur, has confirmed the attack.
He said that 24 bodies they killed had been recovered so far from the two villages.
He said, “I learnt that after they attacked 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, but I believe some of them must have been neutralised in that exchange.”
At the moment the Chairman said he doesn't know the motive behind the attack, lamenting the constant attack on the local communities.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters’ efforts to get reaction of the police were unsuccessful as the Command's spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, did not take her calls.