One killed in renewed Benue/Cross River communal crisis

Local Government Area of Benue State, Dennis Guda, has confirmed the death of an indigene of the area following the outbreak of fresh communal conflict over disputed land between the people of Mbazarem community of Mbaduku, Vandeikya Local Government Area and Abonkip in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State

The chairman identified the deceased as Mr. Agage Ternenger, a commercial motor driver, who plied the Obudu–Gboko route and hailed from Mbanyam in Mbatyough Council Ward of Vandeikya council.

The Chairman of Vandeikya council, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Gbaa Nguuma, explained that the crisis erupted July 18, 2025, when reports emerged from the Mbazarem community concerning renewed gunfire allegedly coming from the Abonkip side of the disputed borderland.

The statemet said the Vandeikya Chairman swiftly mobilised the local security outfit called Anyam Nyor, alongside other security personnel, and proceeded to the disputed area for a fact-finding and peace-keeping after also contacting his Obudu LGA counterpart.

It said: “Upon arrival, the Chairman and his team confirmed that gunshots were being fired. Disturbingly, the chairman himself had some gunshots towards his direction.

“Despite the danger, he moved across the area, where he observed large-scale destruction of crops worth millions of Naira on the Mbazarem side, a reprisal attack by Abonkip youths who claimed their own farmlands were earlier destroyed.

“A joint security meeting was immediately convened in the bush involving officers from the Nigeria Police, military, and the Divisional Police Officer, DPOs of both Vandeikya and Obudu. Both communities were urged to embrace peace and allow their local governments to resolve the conflict amicably. This initial peace engagement concluded by 4p.m.

“However, according to security reports, hostilities resumed shortly after the chairman departed the area.

Mbazarem community accused Abonkip youths of violating the agreed ‘Bush Peace Accord’ by resuming indiscriminate shooting. The violence intensified until about 7p.m., prompting the chairman to relocate to Tsar, Mbaduku, to prevent further escalation.

a tragic turn of events, violence spilled from the forest into Obudu Township. Abonkip youths reportedly began attacking Tiv residents of Benue State origin. Armed groups were seen parading the streets of Obudu, targeting Benue indigenes many of whom are students at the Federal College of Education (which runs degree programmes) and the School of Nursing, as well as traders and business people.

“In response, Chairman Guda courageously led a security-backed rescue mission into Obudu. He supervised the evacuation of Benue indigenes, students and others, many of whom had sought refuge at the Obudu Central Police Station. The evacuation effort lasted through the night of July 18, to the evening hours of July 19, 2025.

“To prevent retaliatory violence, the Chairman also arranged for the safe return of Obudu indigenes residing in volatile areas of Vandeikya, handing them over to the DPO of Obudu.

“Sadly, it has been confirmed that Agage Ternenge, a commercial driver who plied the Obudu–Gboko route, was lynched by Abonkip youths in Obudu township. He had gone to deliver a waybill from Gboko when he was attacked and killed in cold blood.