Gunmen Attack, Kill Many in Ukum LGA of Benue State

By Segun Emmanuel 

No fewer than 24 people were reported to have been killed by gunmen on Saturday, July 7, 2023 at Zaki Akpuuna 1 and Diom communities of Mbaterem district in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.

The gunmen were said to have stormed the two communities and adjourned villages at about 8:00 am on Saturday and shot indiscriminately killing several people and also set many houses ablaze.

According to natives who spoke to Nigerian Tribune on the phone but pleaded not to be mentioned, the gunmen attacked Zaki Akpuuna Saturday morning and "At least, 24 bodies have been recovered and the search is still on to find missing people," the source said.

Chairman of Ukum local government, Mr Kartyo Tyoumbur says, "after they attacked Akpuuna and Diom, the armed gang fled the scene but on getting to Tine-Nune community on the Zaki Biam-Wukari Road they met the military who confronted them.

"Though no one knows how many of them were killed, I believe some of them must have been neutralized in that exchange."

The Chairman who decried the attack said no one knew the motive behind the attack.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene who confirmed the attack said that eight corpses have so far been recovered.

Anene said, "Today 8/7/2023 at about 12 pm, a militia gang invaded Akpuna village, Ukum LGA of Benue state and were shooting sporadically.

"Upon receipt of this information, police teams in collaboration with other security agencies rushed to the area and engaged these bandits who were eventually repealed.

"Eight corpses were recovered at the scene while many other injured persons were taken to hospital for treatment. Operation is ongoing in the area. However, eye witnesses revealed those killed at akpuuna village, mbaterem, Ukum LGA to include:

1- Kator Terwase

2- Aondowase Kator

3- Albert Tsavnongo

4-Mbaalumunga Felix

5- Terzungwe Kartyo

6- Hangeior Agudu

7- Terkimbi Umough

8- Ushahemba Akerchi.

9- Friday Ezekiel

10- Terwase Mkoholga

11- Ayu Ageva Vaakaa

12- John Ikpor

13- Bem Shima

14- Vanger Kwaghkaa

15- Shaagee Tyokaa

16 - Mfedoo Mamfe

17- Koholga Sase

18- Iorlumun Dai

19- Kwaghmande Mngueorga

20- Msugh Terwase

21- Ngutor Oraduen 

22- Iortange Uye

23- Aker Orgema.

In a similar manner, Set Over News Channel recalls that On Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at about 4 am, gunmen stormed Gbeji town through St. Michael's Catholic Church, Gbeji, in the same Ukum Local Government Area shooting sporadically and killing 18 persons in the process. Over 50 houses were also set ablaze by the attackers

The chairman of Ukum of LGA, Tyoumbur Kaatyo gave the names of those who were killed in that attack as:

Mtem Torpav,

 Eje Abraham (Police), 

Zege,

 Afam Abama,

 Akor Jem, 

John Nor, 

Torlumun Orabende,

Orpandega Terseer, 

Bem Nyichia, 

Atseva Ortwer, 

Mrs. Torsar, 

Nyave Tyoulugh, 

Kpaver Tion, 

Ugba Joseph,

Mbakumbur Peter, 

Moses Pav,

Apeseza Baba, 

 Unduun.

Meanwhile, "No one can give the reason behind this morning's attack but the information we heard was that some gunmen numbering about 20 invaded Akpuuna and other villages in Ukum local government and killed many people and burnt down several houses.