Benue: Suspected gunmen kill traditional ruler after abduction in Katsina-Ala

The Kindred Head of Mbajiir in Tongov, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, Chief Sughter Agamber, has been abducted and killed by suspected gunmen, sparking renewed concerns over insecurity in the area.

Chief Agamber was reportedly kidnapped on Friday at Kam Village in Tongov by unidentified armed men.

According to reports, traditional and local authorities, including 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 his freedom after the incident was reported.

However, the traditional ruler was later found dead.

His lifeless body was discovered in a nearby bush on Saturday morning, indicating that the abductors had murdered him shortly after the abduction.

The killing has heightened fears among residents of Kam community, with many reportedly fleeing their homes over concerns of further attacks, leaving the area largely deserted.

Observers say the murder of the kindred head signals a worrying escalation in the security challenges confronting communities in the Sankera axis, particularly in Katsina-Ala.

The incident has also raised alarm over attacks on traditional institutions, with reports suggesting that criminal groups are increasingly targeting community leaders in addition to ordinary residents.

Community stakeholders have called for urgent intervention by security agencies to track down the perpetrators and restore safety in the area.

Authorities are also being urged to strengthen security presence around Kam and neighbouring communities located along the Ukum, Logo and Tongov boundary in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.