Gunmen Shoot Dead Union Leader In Benue

There is tension in Zakibiam town right after the brutal killing of the chairman Shade Owners Association Zaki Bia Yam Market Mr Tavershima Achinge in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

 

The late Achinge was shot on Monday by gunmen suspected to be local bandits operating in the axis, which had been under militia attacks for more than three years.

 

An eyewitness Toryila Aye told Newsmen that the deceased retired to his house in Zakibiam after a hectic day at Zakibiam yam market which is one of the largest in the country.

 

The gunmen were said to have stormed his residence and shot him in the chest at close range, giving him no room to survive.

It was revealed that the brutal killing of the market leader may not be unconnected with the struggle by a local gang leader to take the security of the biggest yam market.

 

It was gathered that a local gang leader has been mounting pressure on the late market leader to take over the security of the yam market.

 

But he met a brick wall as the late Achinge insisted that owners of shades and shops in the yam market would take the security of the yam market in their hands because such arrangement in the past had led to missing of yams worth hundreds of naira .

 

The killing of Achinge is generating tension in Zakibiam town as the killing is perceived as a clash between two clans called Mbamena and Mbazaar to which the suspected killers and deceased belong to

 

At press time, Zakibiam yam market was locked down for fear of reprisal attacks while traders who travelled far and near to purchase yams were stranded.

 

Police spokesperson DSP Kate Aneene Sewuese, confirmed the killings and said the police were investigating the matter.

 

The Nation