NSCDC cracks down on Fulani youths in Benue, detains 19

DDM News

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken 19 young men into custody in Benue State.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports gathered that this preventive action follows rising concerns of possible violence similar to the recent crisis that occurred in Uromi, Edo State.

The arrest was confirmed by Michael Ejelikwu, the Public Relations Officer for NSCDC Benue Command, on Sunday afternoon.

Ejelikwu issued the statement on behalf of the State Commandant, Bitrus Larai, addressing public curiosity over the development.

The individuals, believed to be of Hausa/Fulani origin, were intercepted at Adoka Motor Park in Makurdi, Benue’s capital city.

Their movement raised suspicion after security operatives received credible intelligence about their journey and intentions within the state.

Initial fears suggested the group was heading to Adoka, located in Otukpo Local Government Area, which is a conflict-prone region.

However, the NSCDC clarified that the group’s real destination was Jato-Aka, a community in Kwande Local Government Area.

Jato-Aka has witnessed several violent attacks recently, making the group’s movement even more concerning to local authorities and residents.

The youths reportedly came from Lafia, the capital city of neighboring Nasarawa State, and arrived in Benue by road.

They claimed they were traveling to engage in mining work in Kwande, although authorities remain uncertain about their true mission.

Commandant Larai explained that community members were already preparing to confront the group due to mounting fears and suspicions.

To prevent a deadly confrontation, the NSCDC placed the 19 individuals in protective custody pending full verification of their claims.

The Corps is now investigating their identity, departure location, and stated destination to confirm if their travel was legitimate.

The command has also contacted the mining company the youths allegedly intended to work for in Jato-Aka, Kwande.

Officials have requested that the company participate in ongoing investigations to verify employment claims made by the detained group.

So far, the NSCDC has not released the names of the arrested individuals or filed any formal charges against them.

According to Larai, the NSCDC will ensure the youths are safely returned to their home state if cleared by investigations.

This move is part of the Corps’ broader efforts to maintain peace and avoid unnecessary escalation of communal tensions.

The recent security situation in Benue has been tense due to farmer-herder conflicts and the presence of armed groups.

Benue communities, particularly in rural zones, remain wary of unfamiliar movements, especially those linked to Fulani herders.

The Uromi incident in Edo State served as a grim reminder of how unchecked movements can trigger ethnic violence.

In that crisis, several lives were lost following community confrontations with suspected herders over perceived territorial threats.

To avoid a repeat of such bloodshed, security agencies are taking preemptive steps to manage any suspicious group movements.

Local leaders in Benue praised the NSCDC for acting quickly and urged residents to allow law enforcement to handle issues.

They warned against taking the law into their own hands or spreading rumors that may incite further tensions in the area.

Benue has a history of deadly clashes between indigenous farmers and nomadic herders, often sparked by disputes over land.

These conflicts have left thousands displaced and have strained relations between local communities and pastoralist groups over the years.

The state government and federal security agencies have continued to develop joint strategies to prevent future outbreaks of violence.

The NSCDC urged communities to report suspicious activity and not resort to retaliation or mob justice under any circumstances.

Larai reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting lives and promoting peaceful coexistence among all ethnic and social groups.

As investigations continue, the arrested youths will remain in NSCDC custody until a final decision is made by authorities.

The outcome of this case may set a precedent for handling similar situations across Nigeria’s conflict-sensitive regions in the future.

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