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Benue killings: Stakeholders lament herdsmen persistent attacks, proffer solution

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Nigerians are worried as the security situation in Benue State worsens, particularly with regards to the herders-farmers conflict, banditry, kidnapping, gangsterism, and cult violence.

It was gathered that since the administration of the immediate past governor, Samuel Ortom and the coming on board of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the state has been faced with a plethora of security challenges.

The state has experienced a significant decline in farming activities due to the activities of bandits and terrorists, who attacked farming communities, abducted, and killed several farmers and dislocated many communities.

At least fifty-six people have been confirmed dead in Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area and Logo Local Government Area, both in the Sankera axis of Benue state.

The state governor, Hyacinth Alia made the disclosure after confirming earlier that seventeen people were killed in the attack.

Also, the state police command in a statement, noted that while the Gbagir operation was ongoing, another group of militia simultaneously attacked the neighbouring Logo Local Government Area, killing scores of people.

It was reported that the governor had urged residents of the state facing attacks from suspected Fulani herdsmen not to resort to self-help.

“The prompt response in Ukum was made possible by early intelligence, which helped prevent an even more devastating outcome.

“The state government, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser, is developing a strategic plan to end the killings by suspected invaders. Remain vigilant and volunteer timely information to security agencies,” he said.

Unidentified gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have been launching attacks on the Otobi Akpa community in Benue State.

The recent one left at least 13 people dead, several others injured or missing, and over 50 houses destroyed.

The violence started around 6:00pm on the ill-fatted day near Otobi Junction when armed herdsmen launched an assault on the town, shooting sporadically.

“Otobi Akpa has historically been a peaceful part of Idoma land and had coexisted with herding communities for many years.

However, tensions have risen in recent times over open grazing and related security concerns,” a community elder, Adikwu Ogbe said.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Moses Ogbaji, had noted that the criminal activities of bandits before now had severely impacted food security in the state and the country, as many farmers were unable to return to their farms due to fear of attacks.

Nipping the ugly trend in the bud, the State government established the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, which is aimed at complementing the conventional security agencies and ensure the safety of communities and farmers,” Ogbaji said.

Lending his voice, the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation and chairman of the state traditional council, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv, supported the adoption of non-kinetic solutions to the crisis, including massive repatriation of displaced persons back to their homes.

According to him, the effort has aligned perfectly with the vision of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration of protecting the lives and property of all residents of Benue State.

the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Abba Moro, condemned in strong terms the attack on Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, describing it as an unprovoked and unacceptable act of violence.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo LGA. The unprovoked attack on them remains condemned,” the Senator stated.

“The attack and several others before it on Benue South communities by killer herdsmen are unacceptable,” he said.

He added that the people of Benue South have the right to live and do their business peacefully without fear, threats, or harm.

the lawmaker representing Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Angbo Kennedy, lamented the persistent bloodshed and called on security agencies to urgently intervene.

“It’s sad that innocent people are being slaughtered in their own homes. Our people cannot continue to live in fear in their ancestral homes.

“Residents should resort to self-defense since the needed help is not coming from the relevant authorities,” he opined.

Meanwhile, former Senate President, David Mark, has strongly condemned the recent wave of violent attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on several communities across Benue State.

Mark, who expressed deep concern over the spate of killings and destruction of property worth billions of naira in the affected areas, appealed for restraint and unity, warning against ethnic profiling or retaliatory violence.

A visibly distressed Senator Mark, however, acknowledged some progress by security operatives in addressing the crisis, stating:“It is heartwarming that some of the beasts involved in the dastardly acts have been apprehended by security agents.

“I urge all concerned to do a diligent investigation and ensure that all the people immediately and remotely involved should be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

“I also call on the youths in our various communities to ensure vigilance and report any suspicious behaviour of people and their movements to law enforcement agencies to prevent reoccurrence,” he concluded.

Crime

26-year-old employee murders boss in Delta

The suspect claimed that the man has owed him for about six to eight months, the sum of 300k, and because he was angry at his employer that was why he murdered him with a pestle.

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•The spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe

A 26-year-old apprentice, Anwaji Moses, has killed his 38-year-old boss, who is the owner of a palm oil milling business in Delta State.

Moses confessed to having killed his boss, Victor Ochei, in a video shared by the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, on Monday.

While narrating the unfortunate incident, Edafe revealed that the deceased owed his apprentice about six months’ salaries before his death.

“He met his waterloo when he was going to his site alongside his boy, someone he employs and pays salaries.

The suspect claimed that the man has owed him for about six to eight months, the sum of 300k, and because he was angry at his employer that was why he murdered him with a pestle.

The man has an oil milling factory where this boy was also working for him,” said Edafe.

Moses corroborated the spokesperson that his deceased boss had last paid him his salary in 2024, and whenever he confronted him about it, the deceased would tell him he was building a house.

Moses added that he had stopped working for his boss but returned to him after the deceased pleaded with him to return to work with him.

He also said his boss would give him the sum of N500 to feed on every day.

“Each time I confronted him, he would tell me that I am asking for money and I should calm down, that he is building a house.

He knows I don’t have anybody to help me,” said Moses. While narrating how he killed his boss, Moses said he hit him twice with a pestle when they were heading to purchase palm fruits for palm oil processing.

He moved his body from the scene, hid it, and carted away with his motorcycle and phone. When the sister of the deceased called, Moses told him he had been abducted and requested a ransom of N10 million.

“I was scared and didn’t want anybody to discover. I took his phone. I told his sister that she should send me money because he has been kidnapped. I asked for N10 million, and she sent 300k to an Opay account,” he added.

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Crime

Major Human Trafficking Networks Busted: Police Apprehend 11, Save Victims

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The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled two major syndicates operating within the country, rescuing multiple victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals, while arresting a total of eleven (11) suspects across two states.

The operation comes in a bold and well coordinated crackdown on organised human trafficking.

Recently, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Zone-13 Police Command executed a precision-led sting operation, targeting a deeply rooted child trafficking and baby factory network.

The operation led to the arrest of eight suspects from various locations, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56).

These individuals, during interrogation, confessed to active involvement in child theft, abduction, illegal adoption schemes, and the operation of unlicensed medical facilities functioning as baby factories.

Their criminal activities were strategically spread across Enugu and Anambra States, targeting vulnerable women and children for exploitation and sale.

The victims rescued during the operation include a seven-month-old infant, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women, all held under captivity in a remote village.

Both pregnant women, identified as indigenes of Ebonyi State, were reportedly lured and held for the purpose of forced births and subsequent sale of their newborns.

The rescue was swift and executed without harm to the victims, who are now in safe custody and receiving necessary care.

Meanwhile, efforts have intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate who managed to escape during the sting.

In a similar development, operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have successfully rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, who was trafficked into Nigeria under pretences.

This operation was launched following a formal petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters, Abuja, calling for immediate police intervention in a suspected case of transnational human trafficking.

Acting swiftly, the operatives initiated a targeted investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects: Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix.

Investigations revealed that these suspects are part of a wider international trafficking syndicate that specialises in deceiving individuals, particularly from neighbouring West African countries, with fake promises of employment and travel visas to countries like Canada.

During the operation, an additional thirty-nine Ghanaian nationals were discovered to have fallen victim to the same group. Many of them lacked valid travel documentation, while those in possession of passports presented expired papers, further underscoring the depth of exploitation.

The victims were found in distressing conditions and are currently undergoing medical treatment.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commends the gallantry of all operatives involved in these successful operations, which further underscores the firm stance of the Nigeria Police Force against all forms of human trafficking, child exploitation, and transnational crimes.

Members of the public are encouraged to maintain vigilance and support ongoing efforts by reporting any suspicious individuals or movements to the nearest police station or command.

The Force remains resolute in its duty to protect the vulnerable and bring perpetrators to justice, reinforcing the message that such crimes will not be tolerated under any guise.

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Crime

One Killed, Houses Burnt as Suspected Herders Storm Taraba

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Violence erupted in some farming communities in Karim Lamido Local Government Area in Taraba State, leaving one person dead and 100 houses burnt to the ground following an attack by suspected herders.

The incident has sparked fear and unrest in the local community.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attack began in the early hours of the morning, with armed individuals believed to be herders descending upon the village.

Residents reported that the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, leading to the death of one person while several other villagers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

While confirming the latest attacks, the youth leader of the community, Ishaya Peter, described the attacks as unprovoked and also condemned it.

He said residents were discussing when the attackers stormed the community and opened fire, killing at least one person and razing several buildings in the process.

In addition to the loss of life, the attackers set fire to multiple houses, leaving families displaced and without shelter. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early reports indicate significant property loss.

The motive for the attack is currently under investigation, but it is believed to be linked to ongoing tensions between herder and farming communities in the region over land and resources.

Security forces have been deployed to the area to restore order and investigate the incident. However, residents are expressing concern about the lack of adequate security and the slow response time of authorities.

The incident underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the herder-farmer conflict and highlights the importance of proactive measures to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable communities.

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