Benue: Many killed as warring bandits clash

• The killings happened in Chito community of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State
• The residents said bandits have been wasting lives over the rightful collector of revenue in local markets

An unspecific number of persons have lost their lives after violence erupted among rival bandit groups in Benue state

The killings happened in Chito community of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

Locals who witnessed the incident said the fresh killings took place in the same area where at least five persons were killed few days ago.

The residents said bandits have been wasting lives over the rightful collector of revenue in local markets.

A witness who preferred anonymity, said Friday killings were a revenge by one group of the bandits against another.

“The gangs are just going to each other’s village in retaliation. Yesterday, (Friday) a militia group in retaliation of the incident few days ago accosted road users along the Chito-Zaki-Biam and unleashed terror on many people, including a would-be groom who was also killed,” Daily Trust quoted him as saying.

A prominent politician from the area, Chief Ayati Shima, also lent credence to the account of the witnesses.

He disclosed banditry which has been confined to three council wards of the affected local government had existed too long without any solution.

“It’s true. I didn’t know the exact number but I hear people were killed in that area. It’s the home local government of Senator Emmanuel Udende and some of us are disturbed that we are not hearing anything from him.”

“A lot needs to be done because the political class from the area, including me have failed as far as I’m concerned. We have failed the people because politics is meant to proffer solution to such things and we are failing to proffer solution to these banditry activities. It’s very unfortunate,” Shima said.

Meanwhile, a Lawyer, Ayati Orlu-Bem Ayati, who hails from the area has called for a declaration of a state of emergency in Ukum LGA in order to tame the perennial menace.