Residents of Apa Local Government Area of Benue State have expressed outrage following allegations that soldiers assaulted and disarmed youth volunteers who were mobilising to strengthen community security amid persistent attacks by suspected armed herders.

The incident reportedly occurred in Adija community, days after three farmers were said to have been killed in Ikobi community, one of several areas that have experienced repeated security challenges in recent months.

According to local sources, youth volunteers from various communities had gathered in Ologo and Asaba villages to discuss security concerns and possible community protection measures.

The volunteers were reportedly intercepted by soldiers while returning to their respective communities.

During the encounter, a local vigilante commander, Olowo Otache, and his younger brother were allegedly beaten and sustained injuries.

Residents said the two men were subsequently taken to General Hospital, Ugbokpo, where they received medical attention.

The incident reportedly provoked anger among residents, leading to protests and a temporary blockade of the Otukpo–Oweto Federal Highway by youths demanding improved security and greater protection for vulnerable communities.

Speaking on the development, a youth volunteer identified as Adu Aboh said local youths had become increasingly concerned about the frequency of attacks and killings in the area.

According to him, many residents believe their communities remain exposed to security threats despite repeated appeals for intervention.

Aboh further alleged that soldiers confiscated locally made firearms belonging to some volunteers during the operation.

Another resident, Energy Onoja, said local volunteers had previously collaborated with security agencies, particularly the police, to support community safety efforts.

He expressed concern that the latest incident could undermine local security initiatives.

Residents also highlighted growing insecurity along the Apa–Agatu corridor, where several communities have reportedly experienced attacks, displacement of residents and destruction of livelihoods.

Ofu Adu, a resident of Ochumekwu community, alleged that security agencies were often informed before attacks occurred but that responses sometimes arrived after significant damage had been done.

The latest development has intensified calls for stronger security deployment across vulnerable communities in Apa Local Government Area.

Community leaders appealed to the Federal Government, security agencies and the Benue State Government to strengthen protective measures, investigate the allegations and restore public confidence in security operations.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military had not issued an official statement regarding the allegations.

There was tension as one person was killed and seven others injured after an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, exploded along the Bagega–Anka road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The incident occurred when a commercial Golf 3 Wagon conveying passengers from Bagega to Anka ran over the explosive device.

The IED was allegedly planted by suspected bandits operating in the area.

When contacted contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, said the explosion occurred on June 8, 2026, and resulted in one fatality and seven injuries.

The police spokesman noted that security forces responded swiftly after the blast, with the command deploying specialised tactical teams to the scene in collaboration with the military.

According to him, the joint security teams were tasked with assessing the situation, securing the area, clearing the road and restoring normal movement along the route.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating banditry and terrorism in the state, noting that security agencies had recorded significant successes in recent operations.

“Efforts to eliminate criminal elements would continue. We shall leave no stone unturned in the fight against insecurity.

“We appeal to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and actionable intelligence. Community cooperation remains vital to ongoing security operations,” he said.

A commercial bus driver lost his life on Tuesday following a fatal multiple-vehicle accident at Cele inward Oshodi area of Lagos.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment of the agency, Adebayo Taofiq.

According to the statement, the crash involved a commercial mini bus popularly known as “Korokpe” and a Toyota Tundra pickup truck with registration number EPE 554 YC.

Initial findings by security operatives at the scene showed that the driver of the commercial bus suffered severe injuries from the impact of the collision and died instantly.

LASTMA officials who were on routine traffic monitoring along the corridor were said to have quickly moved to the scene to coordinate emergency response efforts, control traffic movement and prevent further obstruction on the busy route.

The agency explained that its officers worked together with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from the Cele-Ijesha Division to recover the remains of the deceased driver.

The body was later released to members of his family within the area.

The statement added that the damaged vehicles involved in the accident were promptly evacuated from the road by LASTMA officials to restore normal traffic flow and ensure public safety.

The vehicles were later handed over to the police for detailed investigation to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the accident as well as possible legal responsibilities.

“The vehicles were thereafter handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for exhaustive investigation into both the immediate and remote causes of the crash, with a view to determining liability and facilitating any necessary legal proceedings,” the statement said.  

Despite the disruption caused by the crash, traffic movement was restored along the corridor following swift intervention and traffic management measures put in place by LASTMA personnel.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of  LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, sympathised with the family of the deceased and urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to always drive responsibly and obey traffic regulations.