The Police in Benue State yesterday confirmed 18 people dead and three people arrested in connection with the Monday attack on famous Zaki-Biam international yam market in Ukum LGA of Benue State.
Locals earlier alleged that death toll rose to 52 after more victims of the attacks died in their homes and some corpses later discovered in nearby bushes, but the state Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama, told our correspondent yesterday that 17 deaths were recorded on Monday while one other person died from a similar attack in a surrounding community of Zaki Biam on Tuesday, bringing the total to 18.
Makama said that investigation was going on to ascertain the identity and motives of those behind the crime.
Locals said the gunmen invaded the market with at least 12 Bajah motorcycles and four Toyota Corrolla about 3:00pm on that fateful Monday and shot sporadically.
