Jukun/Tiv crisis: 3 killed in renewed attack on Benue community

No fewer than three persons have been killed early hours of Wednesday in Jootar community of Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State by an alleged Jukun militia.

It was gathered that the militia stormed the border town at 4:00am, shot sporadically, burnt down several houses and killed three while residents fled for safety.

A local in the area claimed that over half of the community was razed down by the arsonists militia who unleashed terror on the rural residents and caused them to flee their homes. The villager also alleged that the Jukun militia, before the latest early morning attack, had blocked the road on Tuesday and killed four commuters of Tiv origin.

Also, the Chairman of Ukum LGA, Tor-Tyokaar Ibellogo, told our correspondent by telephone that the attack on his Jootar people was massive. “I’m right now in Jootar. The level of destruction is massive; not less than 1000 houses were destroyed. We are still recovering bodies but so far we have identified three corpses,” he said. Ibellogo alleged that the attack was carried out by Jukun militia.

When contacted, Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Adeyemi Yekini, confirmed an attack in the area but added that he was not yet aware of the causalities. “There was an attack in Jootar this morning. I’m not aware of anybody killed but my troops are on ground there. If there is anybody killed, I will know later. But right now, my troops are there,” Yekini posited.

On her part, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue Command (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, said three corpses were recovered at the scene and that investigation into the matter was in progress.

(Credit: Daily Trust)