Vigilante Leader, Two Others Arrested Over Attack in Benue

Three suspects, including the alleged leader of a local vigilante group, have been arrested in connection with the recent attack on Anwule community in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, which left several people, including a pastor, dead.

Our correspondent reports that at least four people were killed in separate incidents by suspected armed invaders in Anwule village, Oglewu District of Ohimini LGA, on November 4 while working on their farms.

Witnesses said members of the vigilante group, in collaboration with the police, arrested the three suspects on Sunday following weeks of investigation.

The suspects, identified as Isah Peter and Moses Peter, both natives of Agatu LGA, and a herdsman, were apprehended in connection with the attacks.

Isah, described as the acting commander of the Eguma community vigilante group, allegedly used a community-owned firearm to carry out operations in Anwule.

Witnesses said after his arrest, the 22-year-old confessed to acting on instructions from a man known only as “Pepper,” who allegedly provided the weapon used in the attack.

He reportedly also admitted responsibility for several recent kidnappings along the Otukpo-Adoka-Oweto road.

Melvin James, Chairman of Agatu LGA, on Monday, confirmed in a telephone conversation with our correspondent that two of the suspects are indigenes of his area.

He expressed shock that they would collude with armed bandits to attack their own communities and urged security agencies to investigate thoroughly to uncover any accomplices.

“I can confirm that two of the three suspects are from Eguma and Igila communities in Agatu. However, no community in Agatu possesses weapons; we rely on the security provided by soldiers and police.

“No community in Agatu sent them. It only confirms that there are bad eggs within our communities. The police should investigate to identify their accomplices.” James said.

On his part, Adole Gabriel, Chairman of Ohimini LGA, also confirmed the arrests in a telephone interview with our correspondent, noting that local vigilante groups conducted the operations.

He added that in the past 24 hours, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) has made additional arrests of suspects terrorising the area.

“Altogether, four different arrests have been made in the past 24 hours. The suspects are currently in police custody in Makurdi,” Gabriel said.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, had not responded to calls or messages for comments as of press time.

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