Palpable fear has gripped residents of Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, forcing many to flee, following the broad daylight killing of a suspected local bandits’ leader, Ikoga-Joka Biam.
According to eyewitnesses, Biam, who was serving with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Ukum, was shot dead on Monday afternoon at the Zaki-Biam Market, near the abattoir, by yet-to-be-identified assailants.
“The gunmen stormed the market and opened fire on Joka. He died on the spot. Traders and buyers ran in panic, fearing further attacks,” a local source told reporters.
The killing is believed to be linked to rivalry among local bandit groups operating in the area.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue State, Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident but said it had not yet been established whether Biam was killed by rival gangs.
She added that police operatives are on the trail of those behind what she described as a “dastardly act.”
