Benue: Residents flee homes as bandits launch fresh kidnap attacks in Katsina-Ala community

Residents of Mnashisha community in the Tongov area of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State are gripped by fear following fresh attacks by suspected armed bandits believed to be led by a notorious gang leader identified as Jugu.

According to local sources, the assailants invaded the community earlier in the week, abducting several residents from their homes.

The attackers reportedly returned on Friday evening, carrying out another raid that resulted in the abduction of more people and leaving others with injuries.

A community member, who requested anonymity, said the heavily armed gang arrived around 4 p.m. on Friday through the Kam axis.

“The gang, led by a notorious leader known as Jugu, came with his boys around 4 p.m. on Friday. Among those taken away this time was a young man identified as Ayange Ikpa,” the source disclosed.

He added that no ransom demand has been made so far, a situation that has deepened the anxiety of families whose loved ones were abducted.

“As of now, they have not contacted anyone for ransom, but relatives are making desperate efforts to secure the release of those kidnapped,” he said.

The repeated attacks have reportedly thrown the community into panic, with many residents afraid to sleep in their homes at night.

“People are living in constant fear. Many no longer feel safe staying in their houses after dark because nobody knows when the attackers might strike again,” another resident lamented.

Community members have appealed to security agencies to urgently intervene, rescue the victims, and restore peace to the area.

“We are calling on the relevant security agencies to act immediately, ensure the safe release of the abducted persons and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the resident said.

Locals also expressed concern that the kidnappings could be part of a larger plot to spark renewed violence between rival criminal gangs operating in the area.

“We suspect these attacks may be aimed at provoking another round of crisis between rival groups struggling for control.

Abducting innocent people could trigger reprisals. We hope the situation does not escalate because we do not understand their ultimate motive,” he added.

Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.