Dreaded Benue militia leader reportedly killed by rival gang

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

A militia pack leader, popularly known arsenic Joka Biam, was reportedly changeable dormant connected Monday greeting by suspected rival pack members adjacent the abattoir adjacent to NKST Central successful Zaki-Biam town, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The sidesplitting is believed to beryllium linked to the ongoing supremacy battles among militia groups operating successful parts of the state.

Eyewitnesses said Biam was attacked astatine astir 9 a.m. by equipped men connected a motorbike, who changeable him astatine adjacent scope earlier fleeing.

“They trailed him and changeable him, aft which they escaped connected their motorbike. The incidental instantly caused panic successful the engaged marketplace town, arsenic traders, commuters, and residents fled for safety,” a root disclosed.

The dependable of gunfire reportedly disrupted commercialized activities successful the country for respective hours.

Although the attackers stay unidentified, residents fishy the execution whitethorn person stemmed from longstanding rivalries and convulsive clashes betwixt transgression gangs successful Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala LGAs.

Some locals besides alleged that Biam had precocious attempted to wantonness transgression enactment earlier returning to his aged lifestyle, which whitethorn person made him a target.

Community members expressed fearfulness of imaginable reprisal attacks, with immoderate residents already fleeing the town.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said investigations had commenced.

She noted that it was not yet wide whether Biam was killed by his ain associates oregon by a rival gang. “The constabulary are connected the way of those down the killing,” the PPRO stated.

The station Dreaded Benue militia person reportedly killed by rival gang appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.