Nine people have been reportedly killed following an attack on Anyom settlement in Mbatyula Council Ward of Kastina-Ala Local Government Area in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria.
According to sources who did not want to be mentioned, the rival militia groups had been wreaking havoc on Mbatyula and Mbayongo Council Wards where the late wanted criminal kingpin, Terwase Akwaza popularly known as Gana hailed from.
It was gathered that the Anyom settlement attack was carried out by one of the rival militia groups during which nine persons were reportedly killed and houses burnt.
The villagers also alleged that coordinated serial attacks were carried out in parts of Mbatyula council ward by the gunmen.
They said on Tuesday, the armed men stormed Atumbe, another settlement in Mbatyula council ward where they set houses ablaze and made away with some property.
On the same day, the group reportedly raided Kur Hile, another settlement in Mbatyula where they also burnt some houses.
Caretaker Chairman of Kastina-Ala LGA, Zamzam Francis, confirmed the incident via telephone, stressing that a total of nine people had been killed between Monday and Wednesday in the affected places.
Francis said, “Really, the incident happened. it is between the rival militas. It’s among themselves. They are burning houses of innocent people and many people are suffering. That is what is happening. Nine people have been killed between Monday and Wednesday.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, however said she did not have information about the attacks.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
