Benue gang war escalates: 10 killed on motorbikes, tricycles

The ongoing bloody rival gang war in parts of Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state has further escalated  following Monday evening’s attack and murder of 10 passengers of tricycles and a commercial motorcycle in Ukoosaa-Atam village, Sai in the same LGA.

Sai community is about one kilometer from Ayati in the same LGA where three persons were also killed on Sunday after the bloody gang war between the “Chain Gang” and “Full Fire” groups broke out over the weekend.

A source in the area stated that the armed men who belong to one of the rival gangs stormed the village and opened fire on the passengers on motorbikes and occupants of tricycles killing 10 of them and injuring others.

According to the source, “the spot where the attack and killings happened on Monday evening was Ukoosaa-Atam which is just about one kilometer 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 keke and commercial motorcycles, 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.”

Speaking on the security situation in Ukum LGA, the 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 include using the carrot and stick approach to ensure that the boys are persuaded to come out of their hiding and embrace peace.”

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene said she was out of the state.

Views: 10