Fear Spreads in Benue Community After Bandits Abduct Residents

Residents of Mnashisha community in the Tongov area of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State have been thrown into fear following fresh attacks by suspected armed bandits reportedly led by a notorious gang leader known as Jugu.

According to locals, the armed group invaded the community earlier in the week, abducting several residents from their homes. The attackers reportedly returned on Friday evening, carrying out another raid that resulted in more kidnappings and injuries.

A community member, who requested anonymity, said the assailants arrived from the Kam axis at about 4pm on Friday.

“The gang led by a notorious leader known as Jugu came with his boys around 4pm on Friday. This time, among those they took away was a young man, Ayange Ikpa,” the source disclosed.

The source added that no ransom demand has been made so far, a development that has heightened anxiety among the families of those abducted.

“So far, they have not requested any ransom, but family members are making frantic efforts to secure the release of those taken away,” he said.

Residents said the repeated attacks have left the community gripped by fear, with many now reluctant to remain in their homes at night.

“People are living in fear. Many are scared of staying in their houses after dark because no one knows when the attackers may return,” another resident lamented.

Community members have appealed to security agencies to urgently intervene and restore calm to the area.

“We are calling on relevant security agencies to intervene immediately, rescue the victims safely and arrest the perpetrators,” the resident said.

Some locals also expressed concern that the kidnappings may be part of a wider plot to spark renewed violence among rival criminal groups in the area.

“We suspect these attacks are meant to trigger another round of crisis between rival gangs fighting for dominance. Kidnapping innocent people may lead to reprisals. We hope it does not escalate because we do not understand what they aim to achieve,” he added.

Efforts to contact the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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