Deadly Clash Claims Lives in Benue as Militia Groups Engage in Violent Confrontation
No fewer than 50 individuals, including a family of seven, are feared dead following a violent incursion into the Gbagir community in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. The assailants, suspected armed Fulani militia allegedly supported by local Tiv bandits, engaged in a fierce battle aimed at ousting another Tiv militia faction from the area.
According to reports, the majority of the casualties were members of the rival militia groups. Tragically, approximately 12 innocent farmers were caught in the crossfire, resulting in over 30 individuals sustaining injuries, with many others reported missing.
A local traditional leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, provided insight into the genesis of the conflict, stating, “The bloody confrontation commenced on Tuesday morning following the kidnapping of Alhaji Gana, a prominent Fulani militia leader, and his family members by a Tiv militia leader in Ukum LGA. Alhaji Gana, known for his involvement in banditry and kidnappings, was abducted from the neighboring Chinkai community in Wukari LGA of Taraba State.”
He continued, “After demanding a ransom of N100 million, the kidnapper received only N5 million before mercilessly executing the hostages. This heinous act incited fury among Alhaji Gana’s associates in Taraba State, leading to a retaliatory response.”
Elaborating further, he explained, “In a bid for vengeance, a militia leader in Ukum joined forces with the Fulani militia from Taraba to eradicate the rival faction responsible for Alhaji Gana’s demise. Their objective was to establish dominance in Ukum, with the combined forces mobilizing into the Gbagir bushes on Sunday to confront their adversaries. The ensuing clash on Tuesday morning proved to be deadly.”
The volatile situation underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of militia activities in the region and to prevent further loss of life.
