Atleast 10 passengers have been reportedly killed and many others injured following a bloody rival gang war that occurred on Monday evening at Ukoosaa-Atam village in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
A source in the area said that armed men belonging to one of the rival gangs stormed the village and opened fire on the passengers who were on motorbikes and tricycles.
“The spot where the attack and killings happened on Monday evening was Ukoosaa-Atam, which is about one kilometre from Ayati town headquarters of Borikyo Council Ward of Ukum LGA.
“The armed men, who everyone suspected are part of the ongoing gang fight in Ukum, came on a Baja motorcycle to the village and opened fire on passengers of commercial motorcycles known as ‘keke napep’, killing 10 persons while others sustained injuries.
“This is one among the several attacks that have been going on in Ukum communities recently and people are now forced to flee their homes for fear of being killed”, the source narrated.
Speaking on the security situation in Ukum council, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, who confirmed that the crisis was between rival armed gangs, assured that the state government was taking steps to put an end to the menace.
He said: “It is rival gang fight and not a communal crisis, but I can assure you that the government is adopting measures, including using the carrot and stick approach to ensure that the boys are persuaded to come out of their hiding and embrace peace.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene said she was out of the state.
