In a tragic turn of events, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State witnessed a harrowing clash between rival militia groups, resulting in the loss of at least 40 lives on what locals now refer to as “Black Tuesday.”
The conflict, primarily between warring militia factions, claimed the lives of numerous members from both sides, with collateral damage extending to innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. Among the casualties were a family of seven and several farmers, adding to the grim toll of violence.
The eruption of violence stemmed from a series of escalating tensions between militia leaders, with a particularly heinous incident involving the kidnapping and subsequent murder of hostages, allegedly orchestrated by a militia leader in Ukum LGA. The brutal act incited outrage among rival factions, escalating hostilities to a deadly level.
Reports indicate that one militia leader, seeking to solidify his dominance, formed an alliance with external bandits, mobilizing forces to oust a rival gang in Ukum. This alliance, comprising Fulani and Tiv militia groups, descended upon the Gbagir community in Ukum LG with overwhelming force, triggering a bloody confrontation.
Local sources revealed that while the majority of casualties were militia members, innocent bystanders, including farmers, found themselves trapped in the violence. Over 30 individuals sustained injuries, and many more are still unaccounted for, adding to the widespread devastation wrought by the conflict.
Speaking anonymously, a traditional ruler in the area provided insights into the genesis of the clash, highlighting the cycle of revenge and power struggles fueling the bloodshed. The lawmaker representing Ukum State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Nyiyongo Ezra, confirmed the scale of the tragedy, acknowledging the loss of approximately 20 lives.
Efforts to quell the violence have been initiated, with security forces deployed to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed. However, the complexities of the situation, exacerbated by longstanding grievances and factional rivalries, present significant challenges to achieving lasting peace.
While the military has acknowledged the involvement of local militia groups in the violence, efforts to ascertain the exact number of casualties remain ongoing. The Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, affirmed the deployment of additional officers to the area, emphasizing the ongoing search and rescue operations.
