Fury erupts after gunmen kidnap, murder traditional leader in Benue state

A wave of outrage and sorrow has engulfed Benue State in the aftermath of the kidnapping and murder of Zaki Sughter Agamber, the traditional ruler of Mbajiir in Tongov, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, at the hands of armed men.

The abduction occurred on March 6, 2026, when suspected gunmen stormed Kam Village in Tongov, leaving the community reeling in shock and fear, as Chief Agamber was taken from his home in the presence of his family.

The monarch's lifeless body was discovered the following day, March 7, in a nearby bush, sparking widespread anger and grief among residents and the traditional institution in the area, with no group claiming responsibility for the killing and the motive remaining unclear.

The Benue State House of Assembly has strongly condemned the abduction and killing of the Kindred Head, describing the incident as barbaric and unacceptable, and viewing it as a grave threat to traditional institutions and community leadership.

During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Mr. Alfred Emberga, the Assembly 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.

The lawmakers urged the agencies to collaborate effectively to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice, in a resolution that followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Bemdoo Ipusu, the member representing Katsina-Ala West State Constituency.

Ipusu informed the House that the monarch was abducted by unknown gunmen at Kam Village in Tongov on Friday, March 6, 2026, and that the Tor Sankera, the Ter Katsina-Ala, and the Chairmen of Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government Councils were immediately informed but failed to secure his rescue.

He further told the House that on Saturday morning, March 7, the lifeless body of the traditional ruler was discovered in a nearby bush, prompting lawmakers to express deep concern over the worsening security situation in parts of the state.

The lawmakers warned that it is worrisome that criminals who previously targeted ordinary citizens have now extended their attacks to traditional rulers, and 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.