Premium News
33 PERSONS FROM NORTH ARRESTED IN MAKURDI OVER BENUE KILLINGS AS OVER 100 CATTLE DIE CROSSING RIVER BENUE
The Benue State Government has confirmed the arrest of 33 persons from Northern Nigeria who arrived in Makurdi in two buses and attempted to take residence in a private property at Gyado Villa.
The suspicious arrival triggered panic within the community, prompting immediate reports from concerned residents and youth leaders, including a distress call to the government through Barns Dzege and Villa Suites staff.
Acting swiftly, a combined delegation involving the Benue State Commissioner for Works and Housing, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, the Makurdi Local Government Chairman, the ALGON Chairman, and security operatives stormed the location for verification and control.
Speaking on the development, Asortar James Asortar, Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Media, confirmed that the 33 men had been brought into the state by a company registered just last month, on May 8, and were said to be staff of a purported NGO.
“Upon arrival at Villa Suites, it was discovered that all 33 individuals were brought in that same day from different northern states,” James stated.
“Initial interviews revealed that most of them could not speak English, and their purpose for settling in a private house within the community remains unclear. Security operatives have taken them into custody for interrogation to determine the true nature of their mission in Benue.”
He added that the vigilance of Gyado Villa youths and Villa Suites staff helped prevent what could have turned into a serious security breach.
In a reaction, the governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, appreciated the timely response of the community.
“We thank the youth of Gyado Villa and the Villa Suites team for sounding the alarm on time. Your vigilance is deeply appreciated. This incident further underscores the importance of staying alert and reporting anything suspicious,” Governor Alia said in a statement.
Meanwhile, over 100 cattle belonging to suspected armed Fulani herdsmen terrorizing Benue people reportedly died while crossing River Benue.
The incident occurred on Saturday, as most of them allegedly died mysteriously as sand collapsed on them due to erosion, and some drowned while swimming across River Benue to Nasarawa State.
A source, Mr. Olikita Ekani, said he witnessed the incident while returning from his farm on Saturday.
“I was coming from my farm on Saturday, June 14, 2025, and I saw several dead cows floating on the River Benue opposite Achepe village in Nasarawa State.
“I also saw hundreds of Fulani herdsmen rushing and crossing from Benue to Nasarawa side.
“When I contacted the fishermen who were assisting in crossing the herdsmen from the Benue side of the river to Nasarawa side, they told me the herdsmen have been rushing and crossing back to Nasarawa State the past one week, which is an indication of impending attacks ahead.
“Anytime they are rushing and crossing like this, just know that attacks are imminent. This is what has been happening here for the past one week.”
He said they have lost more than 100 cows as they attempted crossing from Benue side to Nasarawa.
A fisherman who spoke on condition of anonymity said 64 cattle died Saturday alone.
“Most of the dead cattle were killed by heavy soil falling on them when they came close to the land, while some drown while swimming.
“We have never witnessed this kind of mysterious death of cattle before.
“Their entry and crossing points are at: Abugbe to Odenyi in Nasarawa State, Ocholonya to Akpekpo, Achukpa to Ijiwo, Oleg’Ada’Gomowe to Achepe.”
The spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached to confirm the incident as at the time of this report.
