In different, but coordinated attacks, unknown gunmen suspected to be bandits killed more than 20 locals when they invaded Adogo Ugbaam, Zaki Akpuuna I and Diom communities in Mbaterem, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State
The terrorists, WikkiTimes gathered, 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 successfully killing three individuals, the assailants also invaded a local market in the community, he 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 source said, adding the attack came after killing three mourners at Adogo Ugbaam village a day before.
The chairman of Ukum Local government Kartyo Tyoumbur, confirmed the incident, noting that 24 persons were reportedly killed with their bodies recovered according to available reports.
“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.
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“Though no one knows how many of them were killed, I believe some of them must have been neutralized in that exchange,” he said.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue Police Command, Catherine Anene, the command received the information about the attack.
She noted that a collaborative team of police and other security forces repelled the assailants. according to her, eight bodies were recovered while others have been taken to the hospital for treatment.
