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.

At least 10 people were injured after residents of Chirif Magaji and Chirif Dikko communities in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State clashed over a disputed farmland.

The two communities have reportedly been arguing over the ownership and use of the land for nearly three years, but the disagreement turned violent on Tuesday.

A security source quoted by Daily Trust said the conflict is about which community has the right to farm the land.

According to the source, local authorities had previously intervened and reached a peace deal that allowed both communities to share the farmland.

“Earlier today, we received a distress call reporting a violent confrontation between the communities. Security personnel were immediately deployed to restore order,” the source said.

The source explained that the violence started when members of one community went to clear the farmland and were allegedly ambushed by rivals armed with Dane guns and machetes.

“The attackers opened fire, injuring six people. Upon learning of the incident, members of the affected community mobilised and launched a reprisal attack, during which four people from the opposing community were injured,” the source added.

All injured victims were taken to hospital for treatment. The source dismissed social media reports claiming the incident was a bandit attack, insisting it was linked to the long-running land dispute.

No deaths had been recorded at the time of reporting.

Reports say some of the victims sustained gunshot wounds, while others suffered machete cuts. Some are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Rabah, while those with more severe injuries have been referred to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital.

Confirming the incident, the Rabah Local Government chairman, Yusuf Muhammad Rabah, said the situation had been brought under control.

“It is true that the incident occurred, but we have been able to calm the situation,” he said.

The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said he was yet to receive a formal briefing about the dispute.