See graphic photos at your discretion as 50 feared killed after gunmen stormed Benue State community

Nigeria - Tragedy struck yesterday as no fewer than 50 persons were killed in Zaki Biam, Ukum local government area of Benue State, Daily Post reports.

Zaki Biam shares boundary with Wukari local government area of Taraba.

A community leader, Chief Udam Wuhe, said more than 10 gunmen stormed the town from TorTonda- Zaki Biam road at about 5:00 p.m. on Monday.

Continue to read to see more gory photos at your discretion>>>

According to him, the residents counted not fewer than 20 dead bodies with several others injured and many houses razed.

Wuhe could not ascertain if the attackers were Fulani Herdsmen.

The incident is coming barely one week after suspected Fulani Herdsmen killed over 10 person in Buruku area of the state, which led to the governor, Samuel Ortom issuing them 72 hours ultimatum to vacate the area.

The state Police Public Relation Officer, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the killing, however, said the casualty figure has not been ascertained.

“We are yet to ascertain the number of those killed in the attack. Our men are already on ground there to restore normalcy to the area,” he said.

According to a source who disclosed the incidence, properties including vehicles, houses and a petrol station belonging to a popular business mogul in the area were burnt.

“The unknown gunmen driving in 4 toyota corolla cars popularly called ‘Duck Nyash’ and 12 Bajaj motorcycles stormed, Zaki Biam, killing people in the town. Casualties are yet to be ascertained but am still tracking events over there as I report this”, the source said.

Another source also revealed that “it started around 2pm this afternoon. About 12 bajaj and 4 duck yash came around the yam market area and started shooting. A fuel station was also burnt. It’s really a bloody evening in Zaki Biam”.

“As I speak to you, everyone has deserted the community, running for his or her dear life. Over 50 persons have been killed, including school children returning home from their schools. We don’t know who the attackers really are”, one of the villagers confided in a reporter.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has confirmed the attack of Monday in Zaki Biam.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and ICT, Tahav Agerzua, the Governor condemned the dastard act, even as he called for information on the whereabout of the most wanted person in Benue State, Terwase Akwaza (a.k.a Gana).

The statement reads, “Governor Samuel Ortom has canceled all his engagements for tomorrow (Tuesday), including the scheduled swearing-in of new members of the State Executive Council.

“The Governor’s directive is in respect of recent attacks in the Sankera area of the state particularly today’s murder of innocent people at the Zaki-Biam market in Ukum local government area.

“He condemns the attack and restates his call on the people with useful information that will lead to the arrest of notorious criminals in the area including Terwase Akwaza, alias Ghana to contact security agencies, assuring that information sources will be protected.

“Governor Ortom commiserates with families of the victims, promising that the state security council would redouble efforts to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.

“He says the latest development underscores the need for all good spirited individuals and organizations to join hands with government to confront and surmount the security challenges”.

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