UNKNOWN gunmen Saturday morning invaded Zaki Akpuuna 1 and Diom communities of Mbaterem district in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State and reportedly killed no fewer than 24 people and burnt down many houses.
Ukum is one of the three hotspots in Sankera axis where local bandits suspected to be gang members of the slain Terwase Akwaza aka Gana hold sway. Other hotspots are; Logo and Katsina-Ala.
It was gathered that the gunmen invaded the sleepy communities around 8am on Saturday and launched a deadly attack leading to the death of 24 people.
Locals who spoke to our correspondent on the phone later on Saturday said that the attackers also burnt down several houses in adjourning villages.
One of the locals who spoke to our correspondent on the phone but pleaded not to be mentioned 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.
Confirming the attack, the chairman of the local government, Mr. Kartyo Tyoumbur said so far 24 bodies had been recovered from the two attacked 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.”
The Chairman who decried the attack said no one knew the motive behind the attack.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene, did not respond to calls or texts.
But a police senior officer who spoke to our correspondent anonymously confirmed the attack and said that eight dead bodies have been recovered.
“Yes, our men are right there now, as am talking to you eight dead bodies have been recovered,” the officer said.
Efforts to get the spokesman for Operation Whirl Stroke, Flt Lt. D.O. Oquah were not successful as his cellphone did not connect.