Benue On Edge As NSCDC Captures 19 Suspicious Fulani Youths With Bags OF Unknown Items

In a statement issued on Sunday by the NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer for the state, Michael Ejelikwu, on behalf of the State Commandant, it was disclosed that the youths, believed to be of Hausa/Fulani origin, were arrested at Adoka Motor Park in Makurdi based on credible intelligence regarding their movements. The NSCDC’s State Commandant, Bitrus Larai, clarified that the group, which originated from Lafia in Nasarawa State, was not headed to Adoka in Otukpo LGA as initially suspected. Instead, they were bound for Jato-Aka in Kwande LGA, an area recently affected by several attacks.

Larai mentioned that the group was allegedly planning to engage in mining activities, although their exact purpose remains unclear. Given the rising local tensions and concerns about the presence of herders in the area, intelligence suggested that communities in both local government areas were preparing to confront the group.

“To prevent a repeat of the violence witnessed in Uromi, the command took swift action to place the youths in protective custody while confirming their identities, departure location, and destination,” Larai said in the statement, as reported by Daily Trust.

The NSCDC has reached out to the mining company the youths were reportedly headed to and requested their involvement in further discussions and evaluations.

The commandant assured that once investigations are complete, measures will be implemented to ensure the safe return of the youths to their home state.