Tension has gripped Udei community in Nyiev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, following the alleged killing of three youths by soldiers stationed in the area on Sunday morning.
According to a statement released by Comrade Joseph Apahar Joo, Media and Publicity Officer for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State, the incident occurred after a confrontation between local youths and military personnel over a suspected herder.
Reports indicate that trouble began when community youths apprehended a suspected herder in possession of a motorcycle allegedly belonging to a soldier identified as Mr. Suleiman. During interrogation, the herder reportedly confessed to using the motorcycle to carry out a recent attack in Yelewata, also in Nyiev Council Ward, which resulted in several fatalities.
When the youths presented the herder's confession to the military camp along with evidence, including bloodstains on the motorcycle, the situation escalated rapidly. The soldier in question, Suleiman, allegedly admitted to giving the motorcycle to the herder but claimed it was to help transport a colleague who had suffered a snake bite.
Eyewitnesses reported that disagreement erupted when the youths insisted that the herder be held accountable for his alleged crimes. This reportedly led to a violent response from the soldiers, who allegedly opened fire indiscriminately, killing three young men on the spot.
The community remains in a state of high tension, with residents expressing fears of potential retaliatory attacks by armed herders. Comrade Apahar has called on both the Benue State Government and federal authorities to urgently intervene by deploying an independent security team to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of residents.
This incident comes amid ongoing security challenges in Benue State, particularly in communities that have experienced repeated conflicts between farmers and herders over the years.
Efforts to reach the Nigerian Army authorities for comment on the incident were ongoing at the time of filing this report.
