Outrage as armed men abduct, kill Benue traditional ruler

..State Assembly demands justice

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Anger and grief have swept through parts of Benue State following the reported abduction and murder of Zaki Sughter Agamber, the traditional ruler of Mbajiir in Tongov, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, LGA, of the state by armed men.

It was gathered that Chief Agamber was abducted on March 6, 2026 by suspected gunmen at Kam Village in Tongov, an incident that left residents of the community in shock and fear.

Sources in the area said the traditional ruler was taken away from his home in the presence of his family by the armed men, raising alarm among community members who immediately began searching for him.

Tragically, the lifeless body of the monarch was later discovered the following day in a nearby bush, sparking anger and grief among residents and traditional institution in the area.

The source stated that “no group has so far claimed responsibility for the killing, while the motive behind the attack remains unclear.”

The development has drawn widespread condemnation including the Benue State House of Assembly which strongly condemned the abduction and subsequent killing of the Kindred Head, describing the incident as barbaric and unacceptable.

The House described the murder as a grave threat to traditional institutions and community leadership.

The Assembly reached the resolution during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Alfred Emberga.

The lawmakers called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to intensify efforts to track down those behind the crime.

They urged the agencies to collaborate effectively to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Katsina-Ala West State Constituency,  Bemdoo Ipusu.

Presenting the motion, Ipusu told the House that the monarch was abducted by unknown gunmen at Kam Village in Tongov on Friday, March 6, 2026.

“The Tor Sankera, the Ter Katsina-Ala, and the Chairmen of Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government Councils were immediately informed and made frantic efforts to secure his rescue, but unfortunately the efforts did not yield results,” he said.

He further informed the House that “on Saturday morning, March 7, the lifeless body of the traditional ruler was discovered in a nearby bush.”

Lawmakers who contributed to the debate expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in parts of the state warning that “it is worrisome that criminals who previously targeted ordinary citizens have now extended their attacks to traditional rulers.”

The Assembly urged the state government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive steps to address the security challenges confronting communities in the state and safeguard traditional institutions.

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