Outrage in Benue as gunmen abduct, kill traditional ruler

By Johnson Arua

Outrage has trailed the abduction and killing of a traditional ruler, Zaki Sughter Agamber, the Kindred Head of Mbajiir in Tongov, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, by suspected armed men.

The monarch was reportedly abducted on March 6, 2026, by unknown gunmen at Kam Village in Tongov, sparking concern among residents and local authorities.

Community sources disclosed that the incident threw the area into panic as residents feared for the safety of the traditional ruler and hoped for his safe return.

However, hopes were dashed a day later when the lifeless body of the monarch was discovered in a nearby bush under unclear circumstances.

As of the time of filing this report, no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the killing, further deepening anxiety among residents of the community ans his subjects.

The tragic development has drawn widespread condemnation from the Benue State House of Assembly, which described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.

During plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Alfred Emberga, the lawmakers strongly denounced the abduction and murder of the traditional ruler.

The House also directed security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to intensify collaboration to track down the perpetrators.

The lawmakers urged the agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the crime.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Katsina-Ala West State Constituency, Bemdoo Ipusu.

Moving the motion, Mr. Ipusu informed the House that the late traditional ruler "was abducted by armed men at Kam Village in Tongov on Friday, March 6, 2026."

He explained that after the incident was reported, "the Tor Sankera, the Ter Katsina-Ala, as well as the chairmen of Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government Councils made frantic efforts to secure the victim’s release."

According to him, the efforts proved unsuccessful as the body of the monarch was discovered the following morning in a nearby bush.

Contributing to the debate, several lawmakers expressed deep sadness over the development, noting with concern that criminal elements had now extended their attacks from ordinary citizens to traditional rulers.

They called on the state government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive measures to address the growing security challenges confronting communities across the state.