Unknown Gunmen Kill 9 in Fresh Benue  

By George Okoh in Makurdi
 

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the Killing of nine persons in Tse Ujoh Village in Ikyurqv-Tiev council ward of Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Command’s spokesman, Moses Yamu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the number of casualties during the attack.

“We got information that some militia attacked Tse Ujoh Village of Ikyurav-Tiev council ward where nine people were killed,” Yamu said.

He said the police were still investigating those behind the killings.

Unknown gunmen had turned the  Katsina Allah axis to  hot-bed of attacks and killings recently.

Few weeks ago within the axis, the militia had stormed the residence of  Major General John Malu, younger brother of the late former Chief of Army Staff, General Victor Malu but were repelled by soldiers attached to him.

It was gathered that the militia in the early hours of yesterday invaded the Tse Ujor Village where they shot sporadically and killed several people.

An eyewitness said that those who were injured were taken to an undisclosed hospital where one died.

“By the time they left, several people were injured, at least 12 bodies were found and taken to hospital morgue,” the eyewitness said.

The state Governor, Samuel Ortom, who reacted to the attacks, confirmed that nine people were killed.

The governor said the latest attack on Tse-Ujoh was unacceptable.

His Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase disclosed that troops had been deployed to the affected area to bring the situation under control.

He assured the people of Katsina-Ala that steps had been taken to prevent further attacks in the area, adding that  three persons had been arrested in connection with the attack.

The statement further added: “Governor Ortom reassured the people of the state that his administration would not allow armed militia to continue to terrorise communities. 

“He encouraged anyone with information that can lead to the apprehension of the gang members to contact the police, Department of State Service or the military.”