Fear has gripped the people of Zaki-Biam in Ukum local government area of Benue State, who are fleeing in droves following the killing of a suspected local bandit leader, Ikoga-Joka Biam, in broad daylight.
According to a local in the area who does not want his name in print, the late Joka Biam was allegedly shot dead on Monday afternoon in Zaki-Biam Market close to the abattoir by yet to be identified local assailants.
He said, “The assailants stormed the Market and opened fire on Joka, who was serving with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Ukum, and he died on the spot.
He linked the killing to a rivalry local bandits in the area even as he informed that traders and buyers were running in panic for fear of the unknown.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Udeme Edet, who confirmed the killing during a telephone interview, said she was yet to establish whether Biam was killed by his rivals. According to her, the police are on the trail of those behind the dastardly act.
