Militia kill over 30 persons in Benue community; Gov. Alia expresses sadness
By Emmanuel Antswen
Makurdi, Aug. 9, 2024
The Benue Government has confirmed the killing of over 30 persons by local militia in Ayati village, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue on Thursday night.
Mr. Matthew Aboh, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism stated this while addressing newsmen on Friday in Makurdi.
Commissioner Aboh, while addressing the media, said further that adequate security has been deployed to the area to restore order.
He said a total of 30 bodies were recovered after the attack, adding that more bodies were still being recovered in the bushes.
He blamed the killings on the battle for supremacy between the local militias within the area.
“I was informed yesterday night through the telephone that bandits were attacking and killing people at Ayati village.
“Today I confirmed that the number of persons killed as I talk to you was 30. They are still recovering corpses in the bushes so the number is yet to be ascertained.
“In Ayati village what I heard is that one of the bandit’s maternal village is Ayati and the other one’s maternal village is Tine-nune, Mbatyem.
“All of them are tough and fighting themselves. So anytime any one goes to the maternal village of the other and kills people the other will retaliate. So it is reprisal upon reprisal attacks,” he said.
However, a resident of Ukum who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being attacked, said over 50 corpses were recovered.
When contacted, SP Sewuese Anene, Public Relations Officer, Police Command in Benue, confirmed the attack through a text message.
“I’m aware there was an attack and I’m waiting for briefing from officers on ground please,” she said.
