Gunmen kill policeman, 3 others in Benue

At least four(4) persons including a policeman were yesterday allegedly killed when gunmen attacked Tse- Ujondo, Mechanic site and Tse-Uvia in Zaki Biam town, Ukum local government area of Benue State.

The gunmen according to an eye witness who pleaded anonymity also allegedly abducted another mobile Policeman on special duty in the area and burnt down the police check point near the Zaki Biam Mechanic Village.

According to him, the incident which started around 10 am yesterday may have been masterminded by gang members of a notorious wanted criminal Mr. Terwase Akwaza popularly known as Ghana.

But another version has it that the attack could have been sponsored by an aggrieved politician who lost the primary election in his party.

It was further, gathered the incident forced traders to close down their shops while residents of the area were seen scampering for safety of their lives.

When contacted on phone, a close aide to the Chairman Ukum local government who pleaded anonymity said, "they were yet to ascertain the cause of the attack, intimating that the chairman has already alerted security men who have gone to the flashpoint to maintain peace.

"We cannot tell exactly the level of casualty now because people ran away from the attack point and security men have gone to maintain peace."

Confirming the incident, the State Police Command Public Relations Officer DSP Moses Yamu said they received a report at about 11 am yesterday that some armed Shitile militia aka 'Ghana Boys dressed in PMF and Special Forces uniforms were approaching Zaki Biam town through bush paths, riding on Bajaj motorcycles.

He added that the armed men were trying to escape the ongoing joint operation tagged "Whirl Stroke" targeted at their enclaves which forced them out, to possibly seek refuge in the town.

According to Yamu, the DPO of Ukum Division on receiving the report, quickly alerted and mobilised the security forces around in order to repel the militias.

"An intense gun duel ensued in which regrettably, one Police man who was fatally injured and his rifle taken away by the militia was rushed to the hospital alongside two yet to be identified civilians (a woman and a small boy) were confirmed dead at the hospital. While three other persons who sustained injuries are currently receiving treatment at Light of Grace Hospital, Zaki Biam.

"The Commissioner of Police, Ene Okon wishes to assure the general public, especially people of Ukum and environs that effort have been intensified to bring these criminal elements to justice", he promised.