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EXCLUSIVE: Militia Supremacy Battle Fuels Deadly Attacks in Benue Community as 17 Killed
EXCLUSIVE: Militia Supremacy Battle Fuels Deadly Attacks in Benue Community as 17 Killed
By: Zagazola Makama
What began as a territorial rivalry among armed militia leaders in Benue has once again left a trail of blood and grief in its wake, as no fewer than 17 persons were confirmed killed following a spate of deadly attacks in Gbeji, Ukum, and Logo axis of the state.
While the attack was initially blamed on suspected herdsmen who stormed the farming communities around 1:00 p.m. on April 18, security intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama revealed a deeper crisis rooted in supremacy battles among three local militia commanders: Konyon, Full Fire, and Chen.
The trio, according to sources familiar with militia activities in the Sankera region, were once protégés of the slain notorious warlord, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as “Gana.” However, following Gana’s death in a 2020 military ambush, the scramble for control of his criminal empire fractured their ranks, spawning bitter rivalries, betrayals, and deadly reprisals.
Intelligence ources disclosed that the most recent violence was sparked when Chen allegedly rustled cattle belonging to Fulani herders who strayed into his territory in Logo Local Government Area. The attack prompted a swift and brutal response from rival militia leader Full Fire, who is believed to have forged a deadly alliance with some armed herdsmen operating along the Wukari-Benue border.
Full Fire led a joint force of allied herders and loyalists into Logo, looking for Chen. When they couldn’t find him, they turned their guns on innocent villagers
The initial wave of the attack left five villagers dead, shot at close range. Security forces were immediately deployed and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat toward the Wukari axis of neighbouring Taraba State.
But the horror didn’t end there.
Hours later, another round of coordinated attacks claimed the lives of 12 more civilians, bringing the total confirmed death toll to 17. Security officials say most of the victims were farmers and residents caught in the crossfire of a criminal war they had no stake in.
Additional troops have been deployed to the affected communities to prevent further attacks and build public confidence,” the Command’s spokesperson said.
The battle for control among militia warlords continues to destabilize large parts of the Sankera region, where government presence remains limited and community members are frequently caught between rival armed groups and opportunistic bandits.
Zagazola warned that unless urgent steps are taken to dismantle these criminal networks, restore civil authority, and broker genuine disarmament deals, more blood may yet flow in Benue’s long-suffering hinterlands.
EXCLUSIVE: Militia Supremacy Battle Fuels Deadly Attacks in Benue Community as 17 Killed
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Troops, TANTITA Operatives Recover 24,000 Litres of Illegally Refined AGO in Rivers Creek
Troops, TANTITA Operatives Recover 24,000 Litres of Illegally Refined AGO in Rivers Creek
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), in collaboration with TANTITA Security Services, have recovered a wooden boat laden with illegally refined petroleum products at Abalama Creek in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation, which took place at about 19:20 hours on 15 June 2026, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected stolen crude products through the creek.
However, no arrest was made as the suspects abandoned the vessel and fled the scene upon sighting the approaching operatives.
The troops recovered one wooden boat loaded with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), estimated at about 24,000 litres.
The recovered product and vessel were subsequently moved to the TANTITA Security Services base at Ilamatoru for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources confirmed that follow-up operations are ongoing within the general area to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle associated illegal refining networks.
Troops, TANTITA Operatives Recover 24,000 Litres of Illegally Refined AGO in Rivers Creek
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Herdsmen Agree to Pay ₦1 Million Compensation After Farmland Destruction in Plateau State
Herdsmen Agree to Pay ₦1 Million Compensation After Farmland Destruction in Plateau State
By: Zagazola Makama
A dispute over farmland destruction in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State has been resolved following the intervention of security operatives and community stakeholders, with herders agreeing to pay ₦1 million compensation to affected farmers.
Security sources said troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Sector 6, responded on June 16 at about 12:00 p.m. to reports of destruction of farmlands belonging to Mr. Nyip Yakubu Badung and 10 other farmers in Sopp Village.
Upon arrival at the scene, troops reportedly discovered that herds of cattle had strayed into the farms, causing extensive damage to crops belonging to the affected residents.
Following the development, security personnel facilitated a peace meeting between representatives of the farmers and herder leaders in the area to prevent escalation of tensions.
At the end of the engagement, both parties agreed on a compensation sum of ₦1 million to be paid to the affected farmers through the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Chairman in Riyom Local Government Area.
Security sources said the agreement was reached to prevent possible reprisals and maintain peace in the community.
Authorities noted that the situation in the area has been brought under control, while dialogue between both parties is ongoing to sustain peaceful coexistence.
Herdsmen Agree to Pay ₦1 Million Compensation After Farmland Destruction in Plateau State
Troops Discover Corpse with Gunshot Wound in Plateau Community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Sector 3, have discovered the body of a man with a gunshot wound in Dantanko community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the troops responded at about 6:50 a.m. on June 16 following a report of a suspicious incident in the area.
On arrival, the troops reportedly found the corpse of a man identified as Mr. Emmanuel Agara, who was confirmed to have sustained a gunshot wound.
The area was immediately cordoned off by security personnel, while the body was evacuated for necessary procedures.
Authorities said investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the death and to identify those responsible.
Security operatives have since intensified patrols in the general area to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Troops Discover Corpse with Gunshot Wound in Plateau Community
Troops, TANTITA Operatives Recover 24,000 Litres of Illegally Refined AGO in Rivers Creek
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