Gunmen launched an attack on Saturday in Zaki Akpuuna 1 and Diom communities of Mbaterem district, located in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue, News About Nigeria reports.
According to reports, at least 24 individuals lost their lives in the assault.
The attackers arrived at the two communities and nearby villages around 8:00 am, opening fire indiscriminately and setting fire to several houses.
“We cannot ascertain the motive behind this morning’s attack, but the information we received indicates that a group of approximately 20 gunmen invaded Akpuuna and other villages in Ukum local government, causing numerous casualties and extensive property damage,” a source stated.
“So far, we have recovered at least 24 bodies, and the search continues for missing individuals,” the source added.
The chairman of Ukum local government, kartyo Tyoumbur, confirmed the attack and revealed that 24 bodies had been discovered in the two affected villages.
He further provided details about the incident, stating, “After attacking Akpuuna and Diom, the armed gang escaped the scene.
However, when they reached Tine-Nune community on the Zaki Biam-Wukari Road, they encountered the military, who engaged them in a confrontation.”
While the exact number of casualties among the gunmen remains unknown, Tyoumbur expressed his belief that some of them were neutralized during the exchange.
SP Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Benue State Command, confirmed the incident and stated that eight corpses had been recovered thus far.
“Upon receiving this information, police teams coordinated with other security agencies and swiftly responded to the area, engaging and repelling the bandits.
Eight corpses were discovered at the scene, and several injured individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment. Ongoing operations are underway in the region,” Anene reported.
