The invasion of Gbagir community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, by suspected armed Fulani militia have left over 50 persons dead including a family of seven on Tuesday.
The Fulani militia were in alliance with local Tiv bandits in a bid to over run another Tiv militia gang in the area.
The attack left most of the rival militia dead, while about 12 innocent farmers were caught in the crossfire. about 30 persons were injured and many others missing.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a traditional ruler said that the bloody fight began after a Tiv militia leader in Ukum LGA, kidnapped another Fulani militia leader, one Alhaji Gana and his family members on Tuesday morning.
He further revealed that Alhaji Gana was known for kidnappings and banditry from neighbouring Chinkai community in Wukari LGA of Taraba State.
His words: “After kidnapping them, he asked for N100 million ransom but was given N5 million. After collecting the money he killed the hostages.
“The murder of the hostages sparked outrage among his gang members in Taraba State. This happened over the weekend.
“What followed was that another militia gang leader in Ukum now went and joined forces with the Fulani militia gang in Taraba to help them eliminate the rival gang in Ukum that killed their leader, Alhaji Gana.
“The essence was to enable him to become the head of militias in Ukum. The combined forces of Fulani and Tiv militia gangs started moving into the bushes of Gbagir in their hundreds on Sunday to sack the gang that killed Alhaji Gana. On Tuesday morning, a bloody fight ensued.
“From what we gathered, over 45 persons, mainly bandits have been killed, though we have records of over 12 farmers who were caught in the crossfire. Over 30 others were injured, while some are also missing. We learned that the gangs are also evacuating some of their dead members.
“The armed men have also spread to the bushes of Gbeji, Chito and Afia in their numbers but cannot move into the residential areas because of the timely intervention of troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS.
