Rédaction Africa Links 24 with News Desk
Published on 2024-03-06 15:55:39
The Gbagir community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State experienced a tragic incident involving militia gangs, resulting in the deaths of more than 40 individuals, including a family of seven. The clashes between these militia groups led to a chaotic situation, with security operatives being deployed to the area to restore normalcy. However, the success of the operation depended on the provision of credible information by the locals to the operatives.
According to a reliable military source, the violence was instigated by militia members, and while some innocent bystanders may have been caught in the crossfire, the majority of the casualties were members of the warring gangs. The source also mentioned that the villagers were aware of the perpetrators but were reluctant to cooperate with the authorities. The police in Benue confirmed the clash and stated that only eight bodies had been recovered at that point. Additional security personnel were dispatched to the area to maintain peace.
Despite rumors of mass burials taking place, the police spokesperson denied any knowledge of such activities. An independent source in the area supported the military source’s account, stating that most of the deceased belonged to the rival militia factions. The source mentioned that some farmers were caught in the crossfire, with several others still missing.
A traditional ruler in the area shed light on the origins of the conflict, detailing how a militia leader from Benue kidnapped a tribal militia leader from Taraba, sparking a chain of events that culminated in the violent clashes. The combined forces of two rival militia groups converged on Gbagir bushes, leading to the fatal confrontation on Tuesday morning. The intense fighting resulted in the deaths of over 45 individuals, mainly militia members, and injuries to over 30 people, with some still unaccounted for. Tragically, a family of seven also lost their lives in the crossfire.
The armed men had dispersed into the surrounding areas, but swift action by the military’s Operation Whirl Stroke prevented them from infiltrating residential areas. The timely response of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the intervention of OPWS were instrumental in averting further bloodshed in Ukum Local Government Area.
In conclusion, the violent clashes in Gbagir serve as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by militia groups and the importance of cooperation between the community and security forces to maintain peace and security in the region. The loss of innocent lives is a stark reminder of the need for swift and decisive action to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
