Jukun/Tiv: Four Killed In Jukun Area....

John Charles, Makurdi

No fewer than four persons were feared killed on Monday in Jootar in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State as militia suspected to be Jukun stormed  the border community.

The incident, according to a source, occurred around 4am when the people were still sleeping.

He said, “They came shooting and burning down houses. The militia came from Wukari in Taraba State dressed in military uniform and operated within one hour during which they burnt down houses and killed four persons.”

Efforts to get the Chairman of the Ukum Local Government Area, Tor-tyokaa Ibellogo, were not successful, but his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Godwin Iwanan, confirmed the incident.

“The attack on Jootar is unfortunate; Benue State is not at war with Taraba State.” he said.

The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the attack on Jatoor.

The spokesperson for the command, Catherine Anene, who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone, said some hoodlums attacked the community.

“The Divisional Police Officer in Ukum said some hoodlums invaded the community and burnt down houses but I have not been briefed if there is any death.

“The Ukum DPO has gone to the community and will get back to the command when he returns to base,” Anene said.