Benue Deadly Clash: Seven Family Members Among 33 Feared Dead in Militia Violence

Tragedy struck Gbagir community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue on Tuesday as a violent clash between rival militia groups claimed the lives of more than 40 individuals, including a family of seven. Security forces have been deployed to restore calm, urging locals to provide crucial information to aid their efforts.

A military source in Makurdi revealed that the conflict primarily involved warring militia factions within the community, dispelling initial concerns of an external threat. The source stated, “It was militiamen that were killing themselves. One or two people might have been caught in the crossfire, but the majority of the people that were killed were members of militia gangs in the area.”

Police in Benue confirmed the clash, reporting eight recovered bodies at the scene. SP Sewuese Anene, the police spokesperson, assured additional personnel deployment to reinstate peace. However, conflicting reports emerged, with an independent source asserting that most casualties were militia members, and approximately 12 farmers were unintended victims.

The roots of the conflict trace back to a kidnapping incident, where a militia leader abducted another leader from a neighboring Taraba community, subsequently demanding a ransom and executing the hostages. The retaliatory response from the victims’ gang in Taraba, joined by a Ukum gang leader seeking power, escalated into a violent showdown on Tuesday.

A traditional ruler, requesting anonymity, provided insights into the sequence of events, emphasizing the toll on both militias and innocent bystanders. He stated, “On Tuesday morning, the bloody fight ensued. From what we have heard, more than 45 persons, mainly bandits, have been killed. We also have a record of about 12 farmers who were caught in the crossfire. More than 30 others were injured while some are still missing. Sadly caught in the crossfire was a family of seven.”

The ruler praised the swift response of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the timely intervention of ‘Operation Whirl Stroke’ (OPWS) for preventing further escalation into residential areas.