March 20, (THEWILL) – Benue State has been grappling with a surge in criminal activities since the beginning of the year, with attacks and lawlessness spreading across several local government areas, including Agatu, Gwer West, Makurdi, Ukum, Logo, and Kwande. Residents in these areas now live in fear, unable to sleep soundly due to relentless violence and insecurity.
What began as a political crisis over the Benue State Local Government Election Petitions soon escalated into chaos, with rival factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) battling for dominance.
At one point, protesting party members allegedly blocked roads leading to the election tribunal sitting at the Ministry of Justice in Makurdi, disrupting economic activities and traffic flow.
Even before the dust settled, three students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, were abducted on campus while returning to their hostels from a lecture.
The incident triggered a mass protest by students, prompting the school management to shut down academic activities to prevent further unrest.
In Gwer West, suspected herdsmen allegedly launched an unprovoked attack on On-Mbaonodo community, leaving several residents dead.
In retaliation, enraged youths went on a rampage, setting fire to the local government secretariat, the palace of the paramount ruler of Tyoshin, HRH Chief Daniel Abomtse, and the residence of the senator representing Benue North West, Titus Zam, among other structures.
Logo Local Government, where ongoing mineral exploration activities have drawn attention, has also become a hotspot for violence, with herders and armed bandits terrorizing communities.
Residents of Ayilamo and Tswarev Ukemberagya have been displaced, forcing many to seek refuge at the council headquarters in Ugba.
Similarly, in Kwande, more than six communities in Moon and Jato-Aka have been reduced to ruins following repeated attacks by marauding herdsmen.
Some residents have pointed accusing fingers at security forces from neighboring Takum in Taraba State, alleging complicity. On Tuesday, two soldiers deployed to Jato-Aka were reportedly killed by suspected armed herders.
Despite the escalating violence, security forces, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, have intensified efforts to restore order.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Steve Yabanet, during a recent security briefing, directed tactical commanders and divisional police officers (DPOs) to clamp down on criminal elements, following intelligence reports of regrouping gangs.
In response, the Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce launched statewide raids. According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Sewuese Anene, on March 19, 2025, at about 2:00 am, operatives on their way to a criminal hideout in Agwabi, Tombo ward, Buruku Local Government Area, encountered an ambush by armed bandits.
“The police engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel, overpowering them with superior firepower. At the end of the encounter, 12 bandits were neutralized, while others escaped with injuries. The wounded suspects were taken to the hospital, where they were later confirmed dead,” the statement read.
Recovered items from the operation included three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and assorted charms.
“Regrettably, one officer, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, sustained a gunshot wound and was later confirmed dead by doctors. His remains have been deposited at the morgue,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police extended condolences to the fallen officer’s family, commended the courage of the operatives involved, and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to making Benue State safe.
Similar operations in Daudu and Makurdi resulted in the recovery of seven locally made pistols, the arrest of five suspected armed robbers, and 32 suspected cultists. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other criminal elements and restore normalcy in the state.
