Suspected armed militia members have reportedly attacked Mbasa community in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving one person dead and several homes destroyed by fire.

Military sources said troops of Sector 1, working alongside operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, received a distress call around 8:30 a.m. on June 4 informing them of an assault on residents of the community.

The sources disclosed that security personnel immediately moved to the area but found that the attackers had already escaped before their arrival.

An initial assessment conducted after the incident indicated that one resident lost his life during the attack, while a number of houses were razed by the assailants.

Security operatives also recovered two empty 7.62mm special ammunition shells at the scene, suggesting that the attackers used firearms during the operation.

The remains of the victim were later taken away by relatives for burial in line with local traditions.

Military authorities stated that efforts were underway to identify and apprehend those behind the attack. 

They added that security has been strengthened in the area to forestall further incidents and restore confidence among residents.

Three personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, have been killed by suspected bandits in an attack along the Tsamiya–Illo Road in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

This was disclosed in a post on Saturday by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in Lake Chad region.

Makama stated that the incident occurred while the officers were carrying out official duties on the road, according to security sources.

According to the report, the attackers reportedly ambushed the officers, who attempted to flee after sighting the gunmen. However, the assailants, said to be riding motorcycles, chased them and opened fire, killing all three officers.

The deceased were identified as Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant, Umar Aliyu, Senior Road Marshal Assistant, Ezra Manu Gona, and Road Marshal Assistant I, Mansur Ibrahim Nasir.

Security sources said the attack has heightened tension in the area, prompting authorities to advise personnel operating within the axis to exercise caution pending further security assessments.

The motive for the attack had not been established as of the time of filing this report, while efforts were ongoing to identify the perpetrators and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Security agencies have since intensified surveillance and other precautionary measures in the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents. 

The Gboko Local Government Health Authority in Benue State has evacuated 20,000 crates of expired Coca-Cola products from Gboko Main Market following a routine inspection that reportedly uncovered beverages that had expired since 2024.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Director of the Gboko Local Government Health Authority, Mrs Wede Victoria, alongside environmental health officers and market security personnel.

According to health officials, the expired products were still openly displayed for sale within the market despite having exceeded their recommended consumption dates.

Mrs Victoria stated that the action became necessary to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with expired beverages.

She noted that the consumption of expired carbonated drinks could result in stomach discomfort, food poisoning and other health complications.

As part of the exercise, health inspectors removed the affected products from traders’ stalls and transported them to a government storage facility pending destruction in accordance with applicable health and safety regulations.

Authorities also invited traders linked to the seized stock for questioning while investigations continue to determine how the products entered the market.

Officials said efforts are underway to trace suppliers and establish whether there were breaches in distribution, storage or retail practices.

Some traders reportedly claimed they were unaware the products had expired, while others expressed concern over the financial losses resulting from the seizure.

Residents of Gboko largely welcomed the intervention, noting that many consumers purchase packaged drinks without routinely checking expiry dates before consumption.

The health authority has warned traders to regularly inspect product expiry dates and adhere to proper storage standards.

Officials stressed that shops found selling expired or substandard products could face sanctions, including confiscation of goods and possible prosecution.