About 13 persons have died in an early morning attack on Ukpogo community, Edikwu Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, yesterday, by suspected armed militia gang  with some others inured over disputed chieftaincy stool,

It was gathered by newsmen that the dispute over the stool of Alegwu of Edikwu that has claimed many lives in the community dates back to 1994 when an aggrieved contender to the stool (name withheld), who had been on self-exile since the dispute began, allegedly hired armed militia gangs. He was said to have disagreed with the choice of the kingmakers, who elected late Chief Otokpa Imoni as Alegwu of Edikwu before his demise in 2018.

Acting Alegwu of Edikwu, Chief Otokpa David Imoni, who confirmed the attack said the aggrieved contender had declared war on his people with the active support of some politicians and had overtime sent armed militia to attack his people to compel them to accept him as the traditional ruler even after taking the matter to court.

Also confirming the attack is the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Catherine Anene, who said 13 people have died as a result of the attack.