Benue farmer shot dead after suspected herdsmen collected N5.5m ransom

Gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, have reportedly killed Mr. Terungwa Shaku, a farmer from Akor village in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, after holding him hostage and collecting a ransom of N5.5 million.

Shaku, known for his farming skills and as a businessman selling drinks at Akor village market, was kidnapped by the gunmen and held for over two weeks. It was initially reported that the kidnappers demanded N10 million as ransom, but after negotiations, Shaku’s family paid N5.5 million.

Tragically, Shaku was found dead at the location where the ransom was dropped, just as the family had completed the payment. Sources from the community say the incident has instilled fear among the villagers, leading many, especially from Akor and surrounding villages in Nzorov Council Ward, to flee their homes in fear of further attacks.

A local source, speaking anonymously, explained the harrowing details: “The kidnappers told the family to drop the ransom, and as they were leaving, they heard gunshots. When they returned, they found his lifeless body.”

The source also mentioned that this was not the first attack on Shaku, as Fulani herdsmen had previously targeted him.

Authorities, including the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue State and Lt. Col. Alexander Ashungu, Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on External Security, have yet to confirm the incident. However, a relative of the deceased confirmed the details and said that Shaku was likely already buried.