Benue: Ten killed in reprisal attack in Ukoosaa-Atam community

A tragic incident occurred on Monday in the Ukoosaa-Atam community, located in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, where ten individuals lost their lives.

According to local accounts, the attack was a retaliatory action carried out by one of the rival bandit groups in the region.

The conflict emerged from a supremacy battle between two rival bandit groups, known as Chain and Full Force, both originating from Ukum Local Government Area. Last Friday, this power struggle resulted in the deaths of 15 members of these groups.

Since the battle for dominance last Friday, the bandits have been involved in a series of reprisal attacks, this time targeting innocent civilians.

An eyewitness from Ukoosaa-Atam, who spoke with our correspondent, revealed that the assailants, riding motorcycles, launched an assault on unsuspecting individuals. The attackers indiscriminately fired shots and targeted the surrounding residences in the village, resulting in the discovery of 10 lifeless bodies at the end of the day.

The source further added that this incident is one in a series of attacks on the community, with ongoing insecurity issues within the local government.

Concerned locals have called on both the state and federal governments to provide security measures in Ukum LGA to address the growing threat.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, stated that she was currently out of town.

Meanwhile, the State Security Adviser, Joseph Har, acknowledged the government’s awareness of the situation in Ukum LGA. He emphasized that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration is making substantial efforts to restore peace to the area and throughout the state, employing a comprehensive approach to address security challenges.