Benue: Renewed bandits' attacks throw Katsina-Ala communities into panic

By Benedicta Aboh

Panic has gripped communities in Mnashisha, Tongov area of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State, following renewed attacks by suspected armed bandits allegedly led by a notorious gang leader known as “Jugu.”

Residents said the assailants first raided the area earlier in the week, abducting several people from their homes, before returning on Friday evening for another violent operation that resulted in more kidnappings and injuries.

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the heavily armed attackers arrived at about 4:00 p.m. on Friday through the Kam axis.

“The gang led by a notorious leader known as Jugu came with his boys around 4 p.m. on Friday. This time, among those taken away was a young man identified as Ayange Ikpa,” the source said.

According to him, the abductors have yet to make any ransom demands, a development that has deepened anxiety among affected families.

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

The repeated attacks have reportedly plunged the community into fear, with many residents now avoiding sleeping 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 intervene urgently to restore calm in the area.

“We are calling on relevant security agencies to act immediately, rescue the victims safely and arrest those behind these attacks,” the resident said.

Locals also expressed concern that the kidnappings might be part of a broader plot to spark fresh violence between rival criminal gangs operating in the area.

“We suspect these attacks are meant to trigger another round of crisis between rival gangs fighting for dominance. Kidnapping innocent people could lead to reprisals, and we hope it does not escalate,” he added.

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