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

Five Vigilante Members Beat Man to Death over a Woman in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

Five members of a vigilante group in Niger State have been implicated in the death of one Muhammad Omaba, who was attacked over a personal dispute.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama on April 17, 2025, at around 1700hrs, a complaint was received regarding the death of Omaba, a resident of Cuderegi Village in Lemu Gbako Local Government Area.

The suspects, identified as Alhaji Yikangi, Modu Alhaji Idris, Danjuma Yikangi, Worongi Yikangi, and Mai Tawhidi all members of a local vigilante group reportedly attacked Omaba around 0100hrs that day.

The assault occurred after an argument about Fatima Suleiman, a woman from the same village.

During the altercation, Omaba was beaten to the point of coma. He was immediately rushed to the General Hospital Lemu, but he was confirmed dead upon arrival.

The police have launched efforts to arrest the suspects who are currently at large. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to bring those responsible for the killing to justice.

Five Vigilante Members Beat Man to Death over a Woman in Niger

Suspected Food Poisoning Claims Two Lives of Members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Imo State

By: Zagazola Makama

A suspected food poisoning incident has led to 6the deaths of two individuals in Imo State. The incident occurred on April 18, 2025, at about 0500hrs, around Works Layout by Nwaosu Street, where members of the Nigeria Actors Guild were filming a movie.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the group was served food and drinks during the shoot. Shortly after consuming the meal, two members, identified as Monday Israel and Evans Sampson, collapsed.

They were rushed to the Federal Medical Center for medical treatment, but both were confirmed dead on arrival.

The bodies have been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the other two affected individuals remain under treatment.

Several suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, and an investigation is ongoing.

Suspected Food Poisoning Claims Two Lives of Members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Imo State