BLOODBATH: Eight killed as rival bandit groups clash in Benue

Tragic violence involving rival bandit factions has led to the deaths of at least eight people in two communities, Chitto and Gbeji, located within the Ukum local government area of Benue state. The clashes unfolded over two days, starting on Monday and continuing into Tuesday, resulting in casualties and the destruction of a market.

This incident occurred shortly after the unfortunate death of a ward commander associated with the Benue State Livestock Guard. Reports from anonymous sources revealed that five people were killed in the Chitto community on Monday, while an additional three fatalities occurred in Gbeji on Tuesday, August 22.

Speaking with journalists, one source described the events: “Yesterday, in Chitto, a neighborhood within the Ukum LGA, five individuals fell victim to bandit violence. They burnt the market. It was a different attack from that of the livestock guard who was killed in Tine Nune. Four killed in Chitto and one killed in the suburbs of Chitto in two different attacks making five.”

Another source from Ukum LG also stated, “To the best of my knowledge, the bad guys are fighting themselves. I think that is the summary of what is happening there. One faction is facing the other. We have the presence of military in Zaki-Biam and yet they continue to operate like this. It is unfortunate.”

Ezra Nyiyongo, a member of the State House of Assembly representing Ukum state constituency, confirmed the incident but mentioned that the available information was limited. He said, “You know I don’t stay there now but when I heard of the incident I made a call to the DPO who told me that three corpses were recovered so far and taken to the mortuary, beyond that I will need to confirm from him again.”

When contacted, the State command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, stated that she had not yet received the information.