Benue: Over 500 killed in Zaki-biam during Akume’s regime as gov – Group alleges

By Kingsley Chukwuka

A Spokesman for a group known as Jemgba Peace Advocate, Mr Tyohemba Lorsue, has alleged that over 500 people were killed in the community of Zaki-biam in Benue State, during the regime of George Akume as governor.

Our correspondent recalled that a face-off with locals and the Army in Zaki-biam led to the death of some soldiers, which triggered the deployment of troops to the area by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, leading to the death of many, accounting to more than 500 people.

The Spokesman for Jemgba, however said the troops were deployed after Obasanjo had dialogued with Akume.

Lorsue who spoke in a statement sent to our correspondent on Sunday, also accused Akume of working with Miyeti Allah to kill more Benue people.

“Akume is embarking on his second genocide plan in conjunction with leaders of Miyeti Allah in the State.

“His utterances in recent times confirmed that he is working with the Fulani terrorists to take over not just Benue State but the entire middle-belt region.

“He has failed to learn from what happened to the former Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung and other middle-belt sons and daughters who were used and trashed by Fulani cabals.

“When over 80 people were killed in Guma LGA on the eve of 2017, Akume said it was log of woods that Governor Ortom put inside casket for the burial that was covered by international and local media organisations.

“Akume on another occasion had said that the Tiv people are killing themselves, even when security agents arrested Fulani herdsmen relating to the killings.

“With all this unpleasant statements it is clear that Akume is planning tirelessly to bring down Governor Ortom’s government”, Lorsue said.