The Benue State government has confirmed the killing, last night, (Thursday, August 9) of over 30 persons by bandits in Ayati village, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.
Mr Matthew Aboh, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism said, while addressing newsmen on Friday (today, August 9) in Makurdi, that a total of 30 bodies were recovered after the attack and that more bodies were still being recovered in the bushes.
The Commissioner who blamed the killings on the battle for supremacy between ‘local militias’ in the area, said: “I was informed yesterday night through the telephone that bandits were attacking and killing people at Ayati village.
“Today I confirmed that the number of persons killed as I talk to you was 30 .They are still recovering corpses in the bushes so the number is yet to be ascertained.
“In Ayati village, what I heard is that one of the bandits’ maternal village is Ayati and the other one’s maternal village is Tine-nune, Mbatyem.
“All of them are tough and fighting themselves. So, anytime any one goes to the maternal village of the other and kills people the other will retaliate. So it is a reprisal upon reprisal attacks.”
However, a resident of Ukum who didn’t want to be quoted for fear of being attacked, said over 50 corpses were recovered.
When contacted, SP Sewuese Anene,  Public Relations Officer, Police Command in Benue, confirmed the attack through a text message.
“I’m aware there was an attack and I’m waiting for a briefing from officers on ground please,“ she said.
Aboh assured Aboh adequate security had been deployed as at the time of the press conference to the area to restore order.
Gov. Alia expresses sadness over fresh killings
Reacting to the incident, Gov. Hyacinth Alia expressed sadness at what he called “another unprovoked attack on Ayati Village in Ukum Local Government Area, where many people were reportedly killed.”
