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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

Bandits kill respected community member, several others in Sokoto

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Several people, including a respected community member were killed during a bandit attack in Gidan Taro, Kwasare Sisawa ward, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The incident which happened on Thursday night, was shared by security analyst Bakatsine in a post on Friday.

Among those killed was Alhaji Bello Gidan Taro, a well-known and respected leader in the community.

Many others were injured, and some were abducted during the violent raid.

“Yesterday night, bandits attacked Gidan Taro in Kwasare Sisawa ward, Wurno LGA, Sokoto State, killing several, injuring many and abducting others. Among those killed was a respected community member, Alh. Bello Gidan Taro,” Bakatsine wrote.

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N8.5m ransom recovered from kidnappers in Delta – Police

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The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of N8,500,000 from suspected kidnappers.

The State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing newsmen in Asaba on the achievements of the command in July 2025.

According to him, N5,000,000 was recovered on July 12, 2025, at about 6:30 am, when operatives of the Special Anti‑Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad trailed suspected kidnappers to their hideout in Ogwashi‑Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.

“A suspected kidnapper, Sanusi Abdulahi, was arrested in possession of the money,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police stated that the sum was part of the ransom his gang had collected from their last victim.

He further alleged that the gang was responsible for a series of kidnappings in Ibusa, Ogwashi‑Uku, Obulu‑Okiti, Issele‑Uku and Issele‑Asagba.

In another development, the police recovered N3,500,000 from suspected kidnappers who had abducted two female polytechnic students.

“The recovery was made when operatives stormed Ogwashi‑Uku forest on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

“At about 11 pm, operatives of the Special Anti‑Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad, in collaboration with men of the Nigerian Army attached to the 63 Brigade, embarked on an intelligence‑led operation and stormed the Ogwashi‑Uku forest, the hideout of suspected kidnappers who abducted two female polytechnic students on July 23, 2025, at Asagba Ogwashi.

“The combined team engaged the suspects in a gun duel, which led to the death of two of the suspected kidnappers.

“One AK‑47 rifle, 39 rounds of live ammunition, and a bag containing N3,500,000 suspected to be ransom collected from one of their victims were recovered,” he said.

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Crime

Soldier, 7 Others Rescued After Highway Abduction

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Eight passengers, including a serving soldier, have been rescued by troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) after being kidnapped by armed robbers along the Jos–Makurdi road near Rafin Sanyi in Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The abduction took place around 10:30 p.m. on August 2, while the victims were travelling in an ash-coloured Sharon vehicle.

According to a security source who spoke with Zagazola Makama, the OPSH Sector 6 troops stationed at Sopp community quickly responded to a distress call and confronted the kidnappers.

Seven passengers were freed immediately at the scene, but one, Corporal Munyal Abdullahi from 3 Division Garrison, was initially taken away by the attackers into the nearby hills.

Preliminary inquiries disclosed that the soldier, attached to the 73 ST Brigade Fire Unit as a driver, had just completed his duty and was heading to Abuja without an official pass, carrying yet-to-be-confirmed items intended for a relative.

The kidnappers contacted the rescued victims by phone, demanding a ransom of N60 million for the release of the soldier.

Nevertheless, through a well-coordinated search and rescue effort by OPSH forces working alongside other units, the soldier was eventually rescued and reunited with the other passengers.

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