Gunmen suspected to be armed herders have killed six people in a renewed attack in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident happened at Tse Ugema Chul, Mbakesa, Ugbaam, a few kilometers from Zaki Biam, headquarters of Ukum LGA, on Saturday.

A resident from the area, who didn’t want to be named, told newsmen on the phone that seven dead bodies have been recovered while many others are still missing.

It was gathered that some youths in the area had mobilised themselves to chase away cattle that strayed into their farmlands and destroyed their yams.

The source said, “While the youths were going after the cattle, unknown gunmen who laid ambush opened fire and killed some of the youths, as of Saturday evening, six bodies have been recovered.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue Command, CSP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to get the report from Ukum.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ukum LG, Mr Jonathan Modi, has confirmed the attack.

Modi, who earlier said he was on his way to the community, later said he was not in a good frame of mind to grant an interview.

He said, “I just can’t talk about the issue.

“I am in Zaki Biam right now—in pain about what happened in Zaki Biam. Even right now, if the governor called me to speak on the situation, I will tell him I can’t speak on the phone unless I see him face-to-face. So, please don’t be offended. I’m in pain, thanks.” (The PUNCH)