A tragic clash between rival militia gangs in the Gbagir community of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State has resulted in the loss of lives, including a family of seven, and left 38 others dead. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, sent shockwaves through the rural community, leaving witnesses horrified by the violence.
Residents revealed that while many of the deceased were suspected members of local militias involved in a struggle for supremacy, at least 12 innocent farmers were caught in the crossfire between the warring factions known as “Full Fire” and “Chain.”
Those who managed to escape the area reported scores of people wounded and others still missing as of Wednesday morning. According to a traditional ruler in the area who chose to remain anonymous, the conflict erupted following the alleged kidnapping of a Taraba militia leader, Alhaji Gana, and his family members by a Benue militia leader in Ukum LGA.
The community leader disclosed that after a demand for a ransom of N100 million was made, only N5 million was paid, leading to the tragic murder of the hostages by the kidnapper. This act incited outrage among Gana’s gang members in Taraba State, prompting them to seek revenge with the assistance of a militia gang leader in Ukum.
The combined forces of the two militia groups descended on the Gbagir bushes, aiming to eliminate the rival gang responsible for Gana’s death. The ensuing battle on Tuesday claimed the lives of over 45 individuals, primarily bandits, with about 12 innocent farmers caught in the violence.
Tragically, a family of seven from Tse Adzandeh Mbasaa, Mbajiga, Ityuluv, Torov, identified as the Adzandeh family, became victims of the crossfire. Despite the armed men’s attempts to spread further into neighboring communities, the timely intervention of troops from Operation Whirl Stroke prevented further escalation into residential areas.
The swift response by political leaders and Governor Hyacinth Alia, who alerted the military upon learning of the militia’s movements, helped contain the situation. However, a senior military source confirmed the clashes, attributing the majority of casualties to militia members while acknowledging the possibility of innocent bystanders caught in the conflict.
Emmanuel Adesina, the State Police Commissioner, announced that additional officers had been deployed to the area and confirmed the recovery of five corpses.
