Metro

Death Toll In Benue Communities Attacks Hits 40

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2023

The death toll in the recent attacks by unknown gunmen on Imande Mbakange and other neighbouring communities in Mbacher Council Ward of Kastina-Ala Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state has risen to over 40.

It would be recalled that no fewer than 28 persons were reportedly killed in the communities by the yet-to-be-identified armed men in the June 3 attack which also led to the burning down of several houses and injury of many in the affected villages.

Lamenting the heinous killings in the area, a group under the aegis of Shitile Development Association, SDA, Makurdi branch in a cry for help letter to the state government signed by its President, Door Samuel and Secretary General, Zuai Ephraim, made available to newsmen on Thursday, raised the alarm over the unending killings in the affected communities known as Shitile axis of the state.

The group noted that after the June 3 invasion that claimed 28 lives, the Shitile people in the Benue North East District down to parts of Taraba State had come under severe attacks in the last two weeks for no justifiable reasons.

The group listed the names of at least 40 persons killed in the separate attacks carried out simultaneously particularly on June 4 in several communities of Kastina-Ala LGA of the state and appealed to the authorities to stem the bloodbath in the affected communities.

According to the group “after the June 3 attack on Imande Mbakange village market, a total of 28 corpses were picked at different points.” And on the days after “in Michihe Council Ward, six others were slaughtered while another six were killed at Achamegh village, Mbagene Kpav.”

“These wanton killings are now being orchestrated with reckless abandon and mostly at night. Most disturbing also is the fact that the identity of the perpetrators is hardly known nor the reason for their actions disclosed.

“Though due to the fear of general insecurity, it is difficult to move from village to village to gather exact statistics, hordes of lives have been horrendously eliminated in several villages across the land such that the whole land is thrown into wailing and mourning.

“As these barbaric acts continue, our helpless people who escaped death are fleeing the land, deserting their homes and farmlands for safety. We observe sadly also that, as our people are fleeing, herders are occupying these areas and grazing freely on our farms.”

The group appealed to the state government to come to the aid of Shitile people who they claimed were losing their lives and valuables to the yet-to-be-identified killer armed men, according to VANGUARD.

Metro

Law School Student Freed, Five Colleagues Still In Kidnappers’ Custody

Published

16 hours ago

July 31, 2025

Editor

Police Arrest Suspected Stolen Goods Dealer In Akwa Ibom, Recover Items

One of the six Nigerian Law School students abducted in Benue State has regained freedom, it was learnt.

The students were kidnapped on Saturday while travelling from Onitsha, Anambra State, to the Yola campus of the Nigerian Law School in Adamawa State.

They were en route to resume academic activities after their court externship break, with lectures scheduled to recommence on Monday.

Earlier, the abductors had allegedly threatened to kill the victims if their ransom demand was not met.

Metro

Two Killed During Domestic Violence

Published

17 hours ago

July 31, 2025

Editor

Three suspects have been arrested by the Adamawa State Police Command, in connection with two domestic violence that led to killings in Madagali and Gombi Local government areas.

Police spokesperson, SP Yahaya Nguroje, explained that the first incident, in Pallam District, Madagali, involved two co-wives, Rhoda Anthony, 55, and Victoria Anthony, 36.

“During the fight, Victoria’s son Ijai Anthony, 16 years, allegedly hit Rhoda with a piece of wood on the head and she fell on the ground. She was rushed to Cottage Hospital, Madagali, but died while receiving treatment. Victoria and her son have been arrested.” Nguroje revealed.

In the second case, police in Gombi arrested one Idi Buba for allegedly stabbing his father, Buba Jelli, on the neck and the back during a domestic dispute.

The father was confirmed dead by medical personnel at a nearby health centre.

The spokesperson confirmed the Police were able to recover a Knife, suspected to be the murder weapon from the scene.

Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, condemned the killings, particularly the fact that they involved family members, and urged residents to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. He assured that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court once completed.

Metro

Security Operatives, Youths Arrest Notorious Drug Dealer In Delta Community

Published

17 hours ago

July 31, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the Delta Sweep and youths of Abraka community in Ethiope-East Local Government Area of Delta State have arrested a notorious drug dealer, Benson Izah, with a stash of illicit substances concealed in his motorcycle.

The suspect was arrested at the secretariat of the Abraka Community Youth Wing.

Izah is suspected of spearheading the drug trade in the university town.

His arrest triggered immediate investigations, leading security operatives to four warehouses reportedly linked to him.

Each site yielded significant quantities of assorted hard drugs, validating long-standing suspicions of Izah’s role in a wider drug distribution network.

Authorities have confirmed that Izah and the confiscated substances will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

The arrest has been met with widespread relief and jubilation across the town, according to a local youth leader.

The operation has reignited calls for deeper collaboration between community stakeholders and security agencies in the ongoing war against drug abuse and crime.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe is yet to comment on the incident.