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