Bandits have killed at least 27 persons in coordinated attacks on communities in Benue State, North Central Nigeria.
SaharaReporters learnt that the terrorists invaded Adogo Ugbaam, Zaki Akpuuna I and Diom communities in Mbaterem, in the Ukum Local Government Area of the state between Friday and Saturday.
It was gathered that the terrorists killed three people in Adogo Ugbaam during a burial ceremony on Friday evening. The following morning, they reportedly killed 24 locals in Zaki Akpuuna I and Diom communities.
A local source in the community confirmed that the armed men stormed Adogo Ugbaam with motorcycles at about 9 pm on Friday evening.
After killing three residents, the assailants also invaded a local market in the community, it was learnt.
The source said, “Nobody saw this coming; the armed men stormed Diom and Akpuuna on motorbikes at about 11 am when the local market in the community had picked up with its normal activities.
“The attack came after killing three mourners at Adogo Ugbaam village a day before," he added.
The Chairman of Ukum Local Government, Kartyo Tyoumbur, confirmed the incident, noting that 24 persons were reportedly killed and that their remains had been recovered.
“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 neutralised in that exchange,” he said.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack, saying, "The command gas received the information about the attack.
"A team of police and other security forces repelled the assailants; eight bodies were recovered while others have been taken to the hospital for treatment."