The Gbagir community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State was plunged into chaos on Tuesday as armed Fulani militia, reportedly supported by local Tiv bandits, clashed in a bid to oust another Tiv militia group. The conflict, which left over 50 people dead, including a family of seven, mainly involved members of the rival militia gangs. Additionally, around 12 innocent farmers were caught in the crossfire, with over 30 others injured and many more missing.
The violent confrontation was triggered by the kidnapping and subsequent killing of a Fulani militia leader, Alhaji Gana, and his family members by a Tiv militia leader. This act of revenge sparked outrage among the Fulani militia in Taraba State, leading to a retaliatory attack on the rival gang in Ukum. The clashes escalated into a full-blown battle on Tuesday morning, resulting in casualties on both sides and among the innocent residents caught in the conflict.
Local sources revealed that the armed groups, numbering in the hundreds, had converged on Gbagir and other nearby villages with the intention of eliminating their rivals. However, timely intervention by security forces, including troops from Operation Whirl Stroke, helped prevent a larger-scale massacre. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense, with the armed groups still present in the area and the need for heightened security measures and support from both Benue and Taraba states' governments to quell the violence.
Law enforcement agencies, including the police and military, have confirmed the clashes and the recovery of over 20 corpses. Efforts are underway to secure the area and prevent further loss of life. Meanwhile, the National Assembly has expressed concern over the incident and plans to meet with relevant stakeholders, including President Bola Tinubu, to address the security challenges in Benue State and other affected areas across the country.
