From Rose Ejembi, Makurdi

Ten persons have been killed by gunmen in some communities of Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government areas of Benue State.

Saturday Sun gathered that five persons were on Wednesday night killed after some armed men invaded some settlements in Mbayongo District of Katsina-Ala Local Council area, while some other five persons were also killed on Thursday night in Ayati Village, Ukum Local Government areaby gunmen.

In the Katsina-Ala bloodbath, sources from the area said the victims had marks on their bodies, suggesting that they were beaten to death by their assailants, who invaded their homes.

It was gathered that three of the persons killed were from Nagu settlement, one at Tse Gyudu and another at Tse Weryina, which are adjoining smaller villages to Gbishe Ako.

But sources from Ukum said some gunmen who rode motorcycles stormed the village at 8pm and positioned themselves strategically before shooting anyone in sight.

A politician from the area, who craved anonymity, disclosed that a woman who was going for funeral was hit by stray bullet and died, while four other men were shot dead by the yet -to- be identified gunmen.

The source said several other people were injured and were rushed to undisclosed hospitals for treatment while the remains of the dead were deposited at the General Hospital in the area.

He said police were immediately informed of the sad development, but was not sure if anyone had been arrested in connection with the killings.

While wondering why brothers would turn against themselves just  as the Benue farmers were being killed by Fulani herdsmen, the source urged traditional rulers in the area to fish out the hoodlums with a view to stopping the senseless killings.

“Why should we be killing ourselves when Fulani are killing us? Traditional rulers cannot claim not to know them, because they come from among us. There is need to fish out these bad elements.”

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Moses Yamu, confirmed the killing, but  said no arrest had been made yet.