News
Murder of Fulani herder triggers reprisal attack, leaves three villagers dead in Anwule, Benue
Murder of Fulani herder triggers reprisal attack, leaves three villagers dead in Anwule, Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Three persons have been killed and one declared missing following a reprisal attack by suspected herders on Anwule community in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, was triggered by the alleged murder of a Fulani herder by some suspected villagers in late August
The tragedy traces back to late August, when a young Fulani herder was reportedly assaulted and killed by some villagers who accused him of grazing cattle on their farmland. His death, security sources say, was the spark that ignited the deadly cycle.
“They attacked the cattle, and in the process, the young boy herding them was killed,” a security source told Zagazola.
“Up till now, his body has not been found. That incident changed everything.”
After the killing, tension became the village’s new normal. Security sources said the herders launched a desperate search for the boy’s body, while villagers, anxious over possible retaliation, kept night vigils around the community.
Instead of de-escalation, the situation worsened. On Monday, some villagers reportedly launched another attack on herders in a separate encounter, killing more cattle and a Fulani herder.
“That second attack was the tipping point,” another source disclosed. Once a human life was involved again, everyone knew a reprisal was almost certain.”
By Tuesday morning, the herders struck back.
Before troops from the Army Forward Operating Base, Otukpo, could respond to distress calls from villagers, the attackers invaded Anwule, shooting sporadically and torching homes. When the gunfire stopped, three villagers – Simon Nbach, Adoya Ejigai and Ejeh Loko – lay dead. One resident is still missing, and community members fear he may also have been killed.
One Simon Nbach, who was later identified as a pastor of the Flaming Fire Ministry, was among those caught in the attack.
Troops later assisted locals in recovering the bodies. The villagers who survived now live in fear; many have fled to neighbouring communities, abandoning their farmlands and homes.
In the aftermath, senior government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Joseph Har, and the Chairman of Ohimini LGA, Mr. Gabriel Adole, visited the community. They appealed for calm and promised reinforced security surveillance.
“We understand the grief and fear, but peace must be maintained. Security agencies are already on the trail of the perpetrators,” Har told the community leaders.
Murder of Fulani herder triggers reprisal attack, leaves three villagers dead in Anwule, Benue
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
