Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed over 30 persons in Ayati village, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
It was gathered that the victims were killed during an attack on the village on Thursday night.
The Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Aboh, confirmed the incident while addressing newsmen in Makurdi, the state capital, on Friday, August 9, 2024.
Aboh disclosed that 30 bodies were recovered after the attack, adding that more bodies were still being recovered in the bushes.
The commissioner said adequate security has been deployed to the area to restore order.
He said: “I was informed last night (Thursday) 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.
Gunmen kill 18, abduct 3 in Benue
“In Ayati village what I heard is that one of the bandits’ 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 anyone goes to the maternal village of the other and kills people the other will retaliate. So it is reprisal upon reprisal attacks.”
However, a resident of Ukum, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said over 50 corpses were recovered.
The incident was also confirmed by the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene.
“I’m aware there was an attack and I am waiting for briefing from officers on ground,” Anene said.
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