The Benue government has confirmed the killing of over 30 persons by bandits in Ayati village, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, on Thursday night.

Matthew Aboh, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, stated this while addressing journalists on Friday in Makurdi.

Mr Aboh said adequate security had been deployed to restore order. He blamed the killings on the battle for supremacy between the local militias within the area.

The commissioner said 30 bodies were recovered after the attack, adding that more bodies were still being recovered in the bushes.

“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 talked 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 villages is Ayati, and the other’s maternal village is Tine-nune, Mbatyem.

“All of them are tough and fighting themselves. So, anytime anyone goes to the maternal village of the other and kills people, the other will retaliate. So it is reprisal upon reprisal attacks,” he said.

However, a resident of Ukum, who spoke on condition of anonymity and didn’t want to be named for fear of being attacked, said over 50 corpses were recovered.

The attack was confirmed via text message by SP Sewuese Anene, the state police public relations officer, when contacted.

 “I’m aware there was an attack, and I’m waiting for a briefing from officers on ground, please,“ she said.

(NAN)