Tragedy struck Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday, claiming the lives of at least 40 individuals, including a family of seven, amid clashes between two militia groups, Full Fire and Chain, vying for dominance.
The conflict primarily involved members of the militia groups, but unfortunate casualties included farmers, including the aforementioned family of seven, caught in the crossfire.
A local traditional ruler, preferring anonymity due to safety concerns, disclosed to journalists that the violent confrontation erupted on Tuesday morning.
He recounted that a Tiv militia leader in Ukum LGA had abducted Alhaji Gana, a suspected Fulani militia leader, along with his family members, known for their involvement in banditry and kidnappings from the neighboring Chinkai community in Wukari LGA of Taraba State.
The abduction led to a ransom demand of N100 million, of which only N5 million was paid. Tragically, after collecting the ransom, the hostages were killed, sparking outrage among Alhaji Gana’s associates in Taraba State.
Subsequently, another militia leader from Ukum joined forces with the Fulani militia gang from Taraba to retaliate against the rival gang responsible for Alhaji Gana’s death, aiming to establish supremacy in Ukum.
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The combined forces of Fulani and Tiv militia groups clashed in the Gbagir bushes, resulting in over 40 casualties, primarily among the militia members.
However, approximately 12 farmers, including the entire Adzandeh family in Tse Adzandeh Mbasaa, Mbajiga, Ityuluv, and Torov, were tragically caught in the conflict.
Despite the deployment of more police officers to the area and the recovery of five corpses, details about the crisis remain limited.
The member representing Ukum State constituency in the House of Assembly, Nyiyongo Ezra, confirmed around 20 fatalities but refrained from providing further details about the attack.
While the Police Commissioner, Emmanuel Adesina, and the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, declined to offer specifics, a military source in Makurdi revealed that local militia groups were largely responsible for the violence.
Though efforts are underway to restore calm and contain the situation, the presence of troops in Ukum aims to safeguard innocent civilians from the repercussions of the ongoing conflict.
