Over 20 people have been reportedly killed as soldiers clash with youths in Zaki Biam, headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Converseer learned that the incident happened on Thursday following the unrest that started on Wednesday after over 11 people were killed on Tuesday night by local bandits in the area.
According to PIDOM NIGERIA, several government properties have been destroyed including schools, local government offices, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office and others.
The report also stated that commercial banks, including Access Bank, First Bank, and commercial vehicles including Benue Link, were destroyed.
“Soldiers and Zaki Biam youths are currently fighting. Several government properties have been destroyed.
“Access Bank, First Bank, and some schools were also destroyed. The Road Safety Office and their cars were burnt down. Benue link car burnt down and other local government offices burnt down.
“Over 20 dead bodies littered around. Cars are currently stranded at Wukari Filling Station.
“If you are currently heading towards that direction, or intend to, please suspend it,” the report stated while calling on the Nigeria Police, DSS and Nigerian Army to intervene.
Breaking News!
Serious fighting in Zaki biam.
Soldiers and and zaki biam youths are currently fighting.
Several government properties have been destroyed. Access bank, first banks, and some schools were also destroyed. The road safety's Office and their cars were burnt down.… pic.twitter.com/RXUVXbMZLg— 99% OPPRESSED. (@PIDOMNIGERIA) July 4, 2024
Punch reported that youths recovered 11 corpses killed on Tuesday night which triggered a protest by some angry youths.
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“Tuesday night, these bandits invaded Ayati village and killed several people, as at the time youths recovered 11 corpses it triggered angst and subsequently stormed the road and protested the killing.
“Some of the youths also went to the council secretariat with the recovered corpses to vent their anger smatched windows and destroyed things there,” an anonymous source said.
It was reported that in 2001, there was an extra-judicial killing by soldiers which led to the death of over 200 people in Zaki Biam.
