Otukpo–Oweto road nightmare: Vigilante Commander, herdsman arrested

Nemesis has finally caught up with some of the suspects behind the recent attack on Anwule community in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, where several persons, including a pastor, were killed. Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the attack.

The suspects, identified as Isah Peter and Moses Peter, natives of Agatu LGA, and a Fulani herdsman, were apprehended after weeks of investigation. Isah, the acting commander of the Eguma community vigilante group, reportedly used a community-owned firearm to carry out operations in Anwule.

Speaking upon arrest, 22-year-old Isah said he was acting on the instructions of a man identified only as “Pepper,” who allegedly asked him to provide the weapon for the attack. Isah also admitted to being behind several of the recent violent incidents along the Otukpo–Oweto road.

Otukpo–Oweto: A Highway of Fear
IDOMA VOICE observed that the Otukpo–Oweto corridor has, over the past year, become a notorious “dead zone” for travellers. Multiple reports indicate that armed gangs, including vigilante groups and herdsmen, have terrorized commuters, leading to abductions, killings, and widespread fear across Idoma communities. Residents have often described the highway as unsafe after sunset, with travel largely restricted to daytime or police-convoyed movements.

Activist Meddy Olotu, commenting on the recent arrests, urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the operations of vigilante groups and herdsmen along the highway. He said:

“It is shocking that those entrusted with community protection have become instruments of terror. We call on security agencies to carry out a comprehensive probe into these attacks to ensure justice and restore safety for residents and travellers along Otukpo–Oweto.”

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with more arrests expected as police work to dismantle the network behind the attacks and restore public confidence in the region.