Tension in Benue as Suspected Armed Herdsmen Abduct 19, Youth Leader Killed in Makurdi

MAKURDI, BENUE STATE— Fear and unrest have gripped Gwer-West Local Government Area (LGA) and the Benue State capital, Makurdi, following two violent incidents: the abduction of 19 people by suspected armed herdsmen along the Makurdi-Naka Road and the brutal killing of a prominent youth leader, Raphael Ikyav, in Makurdi.

The abduction, which occurred on Thursday morning between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., took place just three kilometres from Naka, the headquarters of Gwer-West LGA. Victims were reportedly taken while travelling in two commercial vehicles heading in opposite directions along the increasingly dangerous Makurdi–Naka Road.

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Nineteen Abducted in Broad Daylight

Local sources confirmed that the attackers targeted a Sharon bus and a Picnic vehicle, abducting nearly all passengers in both vehicles. The incident has sparked outrage and fear in Naka town, a community that has frequently suffered from armed attacks in recent years.

While the identities of all the abducted passengers have not been confirmed, five individuals have reportedly been released, including one of the drivers, an elderly woman, a breastfeeding mother, and her two young children. It was these individuals who managed to alert local authorities, reporting the kidnapping at the Naka Police Station shortly after their release.

Traditional ruler of the area, His Royal Highness Chief Daniel Abomtse, the Ter Nagi, confirmed the disturbing development. He said the entire community is in shock, describing the attack as a further escalation of insecurity in the region.

“We received confirmation that the passengers were taken by suspected armed herdsmen. These attacks have become too frequent and must be addressed with urgency,” Chief Abomtse stated.

Youth Leader Killed in Cold Blood

In a separate but equally tragic incident, Raphael Ikyav, also known as ‘Spanner’, a well-known youth mobiliser in Makurdi, was stabbed to death by unidentified hoodlums on Wednesday night. He was attacked in his shop along Akpehe Road, where he was reportedly left to die in a pool of blood.

According to eyewitnesses, Ikyav sustained multiple stab wounds, which led to his death before medical help could reach him. His murder has sent shockwaves throughout the community, especially among the youth population, where he was a respected figure for his grassroots engagement and activism.

The Benue State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the murder of the youth leader. Anene stated that the police had launched a full-scale investigation into the killing and would provide further updates as information becomes available.

“We are aware of the killing and we have commenced investigation. We assure the public that justice will be served,” CSP Anene said.

Community on Edge

The combination of these two violent events has left both Naka and Makurdi communities gripped by fear and uncertainty, with residents calling for immediate government intervention to restore security and order.

In Gwer-West, the recurring presence of armed herdsmen has been a growing concern. Locals have repeatedly reported attacks on farmers, destruction of crops, and now, abductions along major roads. Thursday’s abduction has rekindled those fears, with many travelers now avoiding the Makurdi–Naka Road altogether.

Meanwhile, in Makurdi, the murder of Ikyav has been seen by many as a targeted attack, sparking speculation and demand for a deeper probe into what could be a politically or criminally motivated killing.

Community leaders, youth organisations, and civil society groups have condemned the incidents and are urging the state and federal governments to enhance security presence, particularly in high-risk zones like the Makurdi–Naka corridor.

Calls for Government Action

The dual tragedies have amplified calls for decisive action against armed groups, improved road security, and stronger community policing in Benue State. The state government is yet to release an official statement on either incident as of the time of filing this report.

Security analysts warn that unless urgent steps are taken to address the growing insecurity, Benue could face deeper humanitarian and socio-economic challenges, especially as attacks on civilians continue unchecked.

For now, families of the abducted await news of their loved ones, while the community mourns the untimely death of a youth leader whose voice, many say, championed hope and unity in turbulent times.