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
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
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