Panic erupted in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday after unidentified gunmen shot dead a repentant bandit, Kyoga Joka, at the town’s main market.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the busy market and opened fire on Joka, who had recently renounced banditry and was serving with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Ukum.

He was killed instantly, forcing traders and shoppers to flee in different directions as chaos spread across the market.

Security operatives were later deployed to the scene to restore calm, though tension remains high in the area.

Details are still sketchy as at the time of filing this report.

More to follow…