The Benue Government has confirmed the killing of over 30 people by local militias in Ayati village, Ukum Local Government Area, on Thursday night. Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Matthew Aboh, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday in Makurdi, noting that security forces have been deployed to restore order in the area.
Aboh explained that the killings stem from a violent battle for supremacy between rival militias within the region. He revealed that 30 bodies had been recovered so far, with more still being discovered in the surrounding bushes. The ongoing conflict has seen repeated reprisal attacks between the groups, leading to the tragic loss of life.
A resident of Ukum, speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation, claimed that over 50 bodies had been recovered. This figure, however, has yet to be confirmed by official sources. Meanwhile, SP Sewuese Anene, Public Relations Officer for the Benue Police Command, acknowledged the attack and stated that she was awaiting further briefing from officers on the ground.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue to assess the full scale of the violence, with efforts underway to prevent further bloodshed in the troubled area.
