No fewer than eight persons were yesterday feared killed in Zaki-Biam Benue

No fewer than eight persons were yesterday feared killed in Zaki-Biam, Ukum local government area of Benue State by unidenti­fied gunmen who rode on motorcycles.

Yesterday’s killing is coming barely two weeks after many people including a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief­tain, Atoza Ihindan were mur­dered in Katsina-Ala local gov­ernment area of the state.

Saturday Sun gathered that the gunmen had stormed a supermarket in the area and opened fire on innocent people and in the process killed the eight persons while injuring others.

Sources from the area said the killing has sent jitters in the minds of the residents most of whom have fled the area, even as most shops, patent medicine stores and food vendors have been closed down.
“There is tension in the area. People are scampering for safe­ty. Families have fled for fear of being killed. Social and eco­nomic activities have declined drastically”,the source said.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Public Rela­tions’ Officer (PPRO) ASP Aus­tin Ezeani however said two persons were killed in the attack while three others were receiv­ing treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

The PPRO lamented that the killings have spread from Katsi­na-Ala to Ukum local govern­ment area, stating that the police will also focus attention on the area even as he advised those with arms to take opportunity of the State government’s amnesty program and surrender them or face the wrath of the law.

FROM ROSE EJEMBI, MAKURDI