Benue: 3 killed, Massive Distruction of houses and crops as Jukun/Tiv community Clash (photos)

Three people have been killed early hours of Wednesday in Jootar
community of Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State by an
alleged Jukun militia.

It was gathered that the militia stormed the border town at 4:00am,
shot sporadically, burnt down several houses, yam tubers and killed
three while residents fled for safety.

A local in the area claimed that over half of the community was razed
down by the arsonists militia who unleashed terror on the rural
residents and caused them to flee their homes.

The villager also alleged that the Jukun militia, before the latest
early morning attack, had blocked the road on Tuesday and killed four
commuters of Tiv origin.

The Chairman of Ukum LGA, Tor-Tyokaar Ibellogo, who confirmed the
incident said that the attack on his Jootar people was massive.

“I’m right now in Jootar. The level of destruction is massive; not
less than 1000 houses were destroyed. We are still recovering bodies but
so far we have identified three corpses,” he said, alleging  that the
attack was carried out by Jukun militia.

Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General
Adeyemi Yekini, confirmed an attack in the area but added that he was
not yet aware of the causalities.

“There was an attack in Jootar this morning. I’m not aware of anybody
killed but my troops are on ground there. If there is anybody killed, I
will know later. But right now, my troops are there,” Yekini said.

Spokesperson of the state police command,  DSP Catherine Anene, said
three corpses were recovered at the scene and that investigation into
the matter was in progress.

More photos below…