Crime
killings of 259 cattle spark rising tension as attack on herders escalate across Gwer West, Guma in Benue
killings of 259 cattle spark rising tension as attack on herders escalate across Gwer West, Guma in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Fresh tension is building in Benue State following coordinated attacks on Fulani herders and the killing of hundreds of cattle in Gwer West and Guma Local Government Areas, in incidents that could trigger another cycle of violence if not urgently addressed.
According to field reports made available to Zagazola Makama, heavily armed men, alleged by herder associations to be members of local security outfits, supported by local security outfits, launched multiple assaults on pastoral communities since Nov. 12, killing an estimated 259 cattle in two separate attacks.
The first incident occurred near Naka in Gwer West LGA, where the government backed security outfits operating on motorcycles and vehicles reportedly targeted herders grazing peacefully in the area. The cattle owners Abdullahi Musa said 50 of his cattle were killed, Wakili Musa another harder said 51 of his livestock were killed while Maibargo Abubakar lost 21 of his cattle in the ambush without any provocation.
Multiple Witnesses said the attackers transported the carcasses of the killed animals into Naka town in broad daylight, where they were seen celebrating. Some of the community members described the attack as “deliberate provocation aimed at escalating ethnic tensions.”
A second attack was recorded the same day behind Okohol village near Ikpam in Guma LGA, where another group of armed men reportedly killed 137 cattle belonging to Alhaji Anaruwa Yongo and his brother. Several carcasses were reportedly removed from the scene while others remained littered across the grazing area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that military personnel deployed in the affected corridors visited some of the locations after the incidents and confirmed the attacks. Security operatives, however, have not issued an official statement on the attacks while government of Benue remained mum.
Leaders of pastoralist communities described the Benue incidents as part of a “recurring, underreported pattern” of attacks on Fulani herders in several states, including Enugu, Niger and Kebbi. They accuse some local authorities of quietly supporting armed groups that target pastoralists, while only issuing statements when reprisals occur.
Community representatives further allege that despite repeated reports and identification of perpetrators in past incidents, the Benue State Government has not taken concrete steps to halt the killings, creating what they describe as “a climate of impunity that encourages attacks.”
They warn that the continued silence from state actors, coupled with worsening hostilities, risks sparking a renewed wave of communal violence.
They appealed for urgent intervention from federal security agencies, including Defense Headquarters and the Office of the National Security Adviser, to prevent further escalation.
They also called for an impartial investigation into the killings, protection for vulnerable herders, and proactive engagement with community leaders to avert retaliatory attacks.
They described the situation as “a ticking time bomb” and urged the Federal Government to address what they see as a widening security gap that could destabilize the region if left unchecked.
killings of 259 cattle spark rising tension as attack on herders escalate across Gwer West, Guma in Benue
Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have arrested a suspected criminal linked to the killing of more than 50 cattle belonging to Fulani herders in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Security sources said that the suspect was arrested at about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday following credible intelligence on his whereabouts.
According to the sources, troops of 4 Brigade operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Uromi apprehended the suspect at his residence in Oloshi Main Town.
The suspect had reportedly been on the run since May 31, when he allegedly led an attack that resulted in the killing of over 50 cattle in the Oloshi general area.
The sources said the arrest was made after sustained efforts by security agencies to track down those involved in the incident.
Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security agencies have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the attack.
Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducting an ongoing operation in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno have arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles from them.
Sources involved in the operation disclosed on Friday that the suspects were apprehended during a targeted security operation ahead of Magumeri town.
According to the sources, the operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 assault rifles believed to have been used by the suspects in criminal activities within the area.
The sources further revealed that preliminary interrogation of the suspects had yielded valuable intelligence that could assist security agencies in tracking and arresting other members of the kidnapping network.
“The suspects have provided useful information that can aid further operations and lead to the arrest of additional members of the criminal syndicate,” the source said.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle kidnapping and other criminal networks operating in parts of Borno State.
Security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the operation, while investigations and follow-up actions are continuing.
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno
Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have rescued six kidnapped victims and recovered a stolen motorcycle following a gun battle with armed bandits along the Anka–Gurusu Road in Zamfara State.
The command said the operation was carried out at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday by personnel of the Violence Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) during ongoing anti-banditry operations.
According to the police, the operatives received credible intelligence that heavily armed bandits had blocked the Anka–Gurusu Road and abducted six travellers along with their two motorcycles while they were travelling from Mayanchi village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara to Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Acting on the information, the police team mobilised to the area and tracked the bandits to their hideout.
Upon contact, the suspects reportedly engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
The police said the operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee into the surrounding forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
As a result of the operation, all six abducted victims were rescued unhurt, while one of the stolen motorcycles was recovered.
The second motorcycle was, however, taken away by the fleeing bandits.
The command said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the suspects as well as recover the remaining motorcycle.
The Zamfara State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling banditry and other violent crimes across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and actionable information to security agencies.
Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara
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