The Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) have arrested two youths, identified as Terwase Aye Abere and Mayange Aondowase, from Igbor Village in Gwer East Local Government Area of the state over the alleged assault of a woman during a dispute at a public market.

The woman was hospitalised following the incident.

According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation began over the collection of market levies. The suspects reportedly approached the woman after she said she had not made any sales and was unable to pay.

Dissatisfied with her explanation, which they interpreted as a refusal, the two men allegedly descended on her in an attempt to compel payment.

An eyewitness immediately reported the matter to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Dr Joseph T. Har, who ordered the arrest of the suspects.

Operatives of the BSCPG promptly carried out the arrest, and both men are now in custody.

In their statements to investigators at the BSCPG facility in Makurdi, Abere and Aondowase claimed they were volunteers attached to the BSCPG Gwer East Command.

They suspects who claimed they were on duty under the supervision of the Ward Commander, Mr Tiletswen, said their commander and a certain Mr Ipker instructed them to invite the woman to their office regarding an unresolved issue. When she refused to comply, they said they reported back by phone and received a second instruction to arrest her “even by force.” They claimed that the directive led to the confrontation that left the woman injured and admitted to hospital.

Reacting to the incident, Dr Har ordered the state commander of the BSCPG to immediately produce the commanders mentioned for interrogation. He also directed that the two suspects be transferred to the Police Headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Har warned individuals who pose as security operatives, especially in rural areas, to desist from such acts.

“The law will catch up with anyone hiding under the cover of security to harass or intimidate citizens. Security personnel must always adhere to the voluntary principles of human rights and security in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

The victim is currently receiving treatment, while investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Residents of Fego and Ruga Maikasuwa communities in the Gwana Emirate of Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State have called for urgent security reinforcement following a fresh attack by armed men that left six people injured and several farm animals stolen.

The attack occurred around midnight on Saturday and continued into the early hours of Sunday, reigniting fears in communities that had only recently begun recovering from months of insecurity.

Speaking with DAILY POST, a representative of the Gwana Islamic scholars, Sheikh Yusuf Bello Gafakan, said the assailants stormed Ruga Maikasuwa, a community that had repeatedly come under attack in recent months.

He explained that earlier attacks had forced many residents to flee to neighbouring Gombe State and other towns, but improved security measures introduced by the Bauchi State government and security agencies had encouraged them to return and resume farming.

“Unfortunately, the gunmen returned on Saturday night, heavily armed, and attacked Ruga Maikasuwa. Six people sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Gombe Specialist Hospital,” he said.

According to him, the attackers carted away cattle, other farm animals and valuables belonging to residents. He added that it was not immediately clear whether anyone had been abducted during the assault.

Sheikh Yusuf said members of the community attempted to repel the attackers, forcing them to retreat with only the animals and valuables they were able to take.

He urged the Bauchi State Government and security agencies to strengthen security in the area, warning that the current security presence was inadequate.

The cleric specifically called for the establishment of a military formation in Gwana, noting that the emirate lies close to the borders of five states and is surrounded by extensive forest reserves, including the Yankari area, which could provide hideouts for criminal groups.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Abubakar, said he had yet to receive an official report of the incident. He, however, assured that he would obtain details from the Divisional Police Officer in Alkaleri and ensure that the matter was brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Police for appropriate action.

Fifteen victims of the July 28, 2026 attack on Efeyi-Utikpi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State have been buried in a mass grave.

The victims, including women and children, were killed when suspected armed herders invaded the farming community in Ugboju District.

Their remains were laid to rest on Saturday amid tears and grief as residents, relatives and community members gathered to mourn the deceased.

The attack reportedly left several residents traumatised and homes destroyed, further worsening fears over the safety of rural communities in the state.

The mass burial came less than three weeks after eight people killed in another attack on Otukpo-Nobi were buried.

The July 12, 2026 attack claimed the lives of five adults and three children, according to the police.

The repeated attacks have heightened concerns over the security of farming communities in Benue, with residents calling for urgent government action to protect lives and property.

A representative of Equipping the Persecuted, a United States-based non-governmental organisation, reportedly announced financial assistance for families of the victims and local vigilante groups.

The latest burial has further highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on communities in Benue, where residents continue to face the threat of attacks while trying to go about their daily activities.

Community leaders have continued to appeal to the Federal and Benue State governments to strengthen security operations and prevent further killings.

For the bereaved families, Saturday’s mass burial marked a painful farewell to 15 loved ones whose lives were cut short in the deadly attack.