Tension grips Benue community as soldiers allegedly kill three youths in Guma

Tension has enveloped Udei, a community in Nyiev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, following the alleged killing of three youths by soldiers stationed in the area.

According to a statement by Comrade Joseph Apahar Joo, Media and Publicity Officer for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State, the incident occurred on Sunday morning after a confrontation between local youths and military personnel.

The crisis reportedly began when some youths apprehended a suspected herder in possession of a motorcycle allegedly owned by a soldier identified as Mr. Suleiman. During interrogation, the herder was said to have confessed to using the motorcycle in a recent attack that left several people dead in Yelewata, also located in Nyiev Council Ward.

When the youths presented the confession and alleged evidence—including bloodstains on the motorcycle—to the soldiers at their camp, tension mounted.

Soldier Suleiman reportedly admitted handing over the motorcycle to the herder, explaining that it was meant to transport a colleague who had been bitten by a snake. However, when the youths demanded that the herder be held accountable, a heated disagreement ensued.

Eyewitnesses claimed the confrontation turned violent, with soldiers allegedly opening fire on the crowd, killing three young men instantly.

As of the time of this report, fear and uncertainty grip the community, with residents worried about potential retaliatory attacks by armed herders.

Comrade Apahar has urged the Benue State Government and federal authorities to intervene urgently by deploying an independent security team to restore calm and ensure the protection of lives and property.

Efforts to obtain comments from Nigerian Army authorities were still ongoing at press time.