- Armed faction erects roadblock near Agboki settlement, blocking Sankera-Chito-Vase road.
- Violence surge follows recent deadly clashes between rival militias, resulting in nearly 10 deaths and damage to market and properties
The intensifying wave of killings in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State has taken a darker turn as six individuals have been reportedly murdered. This includes a beer parlour operator and a young man who was on the cusp of his wedding in the Chito community.
Furthermore, it has come to light that one of the armed factions operating in this region of the state established a roadblock near the Agboki settlement area of the LGA. This action rendered the Sankera-Chito-Vase road impassable.
This surge in violence follows closely after recent violent clashes between rival militias in the LGA, resulting in nearly 10 fatalities. Additionally, armed groups inflicted destruction upon a market and numerous properties within the vicinity.
An eyewitness account reveals that due to these developments, the District Head of the community, Tor Ngene, along with the community members, has been compelled to flee to safer locations. This drastic measure was taken out of fear of falling victim to the marauding gangs who have not only disrupted but virtually halted business and commercial undertakings in the region.
According to him: “These are areas where a lot of farming activities usually go on with the massive production of yam and other food items.
“But with the development, farmers have all abandoned their farms. No one is sure of what would happen next.
“Just this weekend,six persons including a young man who was preparing for his wedding which was scheduled for next week, was murdered in an ambush on the road while the operator of a drinking spot was also murdered in Chito by a gang after they accused the victim of hosting a rival group at the drinking spot.
“As we speak Chito has become a deserted community following indiscriminate and rampant reprisal attacks by armed gangs operating in Ukum LGA.”
Reacting, a community leader from the area, Chief Shima Ayati who confirmed the troubling development, blamed the political class for failing in their responsibilities to ensure peace in Ukum LGA.
Chief Ayati said, “I learnt people where killed again in Chito but I don’t have the exact figure but people were killed again.
“It is unfortunate that this is happening. After the last elections people from that area were elected into various positions, we have the Senator, State Assembly member and others but some of us are disturbed that we are not hearing anything from these elected people over this matter in order to put an end to it.
“The entire thing is fearful. We do not know if a fifth columnist is behind it. As far as I am concerned, we have failed the people because politics is meant to proffer solutions to such things and if up till now we have been unable to proffer a solution to this issue of banditry, it is then very unfortunate.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene said she was yet to receive any report on the incident.