About 27 persons have been reportedly killed by an unknown armed gang in a bloody attack on Adogo Ugbaam, Akpuuna and Diom communities in Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.
The armed men had on Friday night attacked a funeral at Adogo Ugbaam community where they killed three mourners.
Also on Saturday morning, at about 11 am another gang invaded Akpuuna and Diom communities where 24 persons were murdered.
According to the local source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the armed men whose motive was not known, stormed the villages on motorbikes killing the three mourners at Adogo Ugbaam village at about 9 pm after which they invaded Akpuuna and Diom on Saturday morning at about 11 am when the local market in the area was busy with the day’s activities.
He said, “Nobody saw this coming; the armed men stormed Diom and Akpuuna on motorbikes at about 11 am when the local market in the community had picked up with activities after killing three mourners at Adogo Ugbaam village last night (Friday) at about 9 pm.
“At Akpuuna and Diom they shot at anybody they saw, mercilessly killing the people in the market and the two neighbouring villages. There was pandemonium, people ran for their lives but many could not escape. Apart from those killed, many are still missing; and from all indications that number will rise.
“After killing the people and injuring many, the armed men set fire on people’s property and fled the scene.
“As we speak people are fleeing the attacked communities but the search for missing persons is ongoing. It is a sad day for our people.”
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Kartyo Tyoumbur said information at his disposal indicated that 24 bodies had been recovered from the two attacked villages.
