There was pandemonium in Mnashisha community in the Tongov area of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State following renewed attacks by suspected armed bandits allegedly led by a notorious gang leader known as Jugu.
Local residents said the armed gang stormed the area earlier in the week, abducting several people from their homes, before returning on Friday evening to carry out another raid that left more residents kidnapped and others injured.
Speaking to newsmen on condition of anonymity, a community source said the heavily armed attackers arrived at about 4 pm on Friday from the Kam axis.
“The gang led by a notorious leader known as Jugu came with his boys around 4 pm on Friday. This time, among those they took away was a young man, Ayange Ikpa,” he said.
According to the source, the abductors were yet to make any ransom demand, heightening anxiety among affected families.
“So far, they have not requested any ransom, but family members are making frantic efforts to secure the release of those taken away,” he explained.
The repeated attacks have reportedly thrown the community into fear, with residents now afraid to sleep in their homes at night.
Community members have issued an urgent appeal to security agencies to intervene and restore peace to the area.
Locals also expressed concern that the kidnappings could be part of a broader plan to ignite fresh violence between rival criminal gangs operating in the area.
“We suspect these attacks are meant to trigger another round of crisis between rival gangs fighting for dominance. Kidnapping innocent people may lead to reprisals. We hope it does not escalate because we do not understand what they aim to achieve,” he said.
Bandits attack community, kidnap residents
