Kidnappers kill popular Benue businessman, Shaku after collecting N5.5m ransom

Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly killed a farmer and businessman, Terzungwe Shaku, after collecting a ransom of N5.5 million from his family. The tragic incident occurred in Akor village, Nzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State.

Shaku, who had previously survived an attack by marauding herdsmen in early 2024, was kidnapped again just days before the new year. This time, he was not as fortunate.

According to a family source who spoke anonymously, the kidnappers initially demanded N10 million for Shaku’s release but later agreed to N5.5 million after negotiations with his family.

“It is true. Akor is my village, and Terzungwe was a big farmer who also ran a provision store. Armed herdsmen attacked him last year, but he survived. Unfortunately, they kidnapped him again a few days before the new year and held him for about two weeks,” the source said.

The source further explained that after the ransom was paid, Shaku was killed at the same location where the money was dropped.

“His family members followed the kidnappers’ instructions and dropped the N5.5 million ransom at the designated spot. Sadly, as they left the area, they heard gunshots. When they rushed back, they found his lifeless body. The abductors killed him on the spot and fled with the money, leaving the family in deep shock and grief,” the source narrated.

The incident has caused panic in the community, with residents of Akor and surrounding villages fleeing their homes for fear of further attacks.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, said she had not yet received information on the incident.

The brutal killing highlights the continued security challenges faced by communities in Benue State, particularly in Guma Local Government Area, which has experienced repeated attacks by armed herdsmen.