Volunteer guards arrest ‘masterminds behind crisis that killed over 30’ in Benue

The volunteer guards in Benue have arrested two persons suspected to have masterminded the crisis that led to the death of over 30 persons in communities of Ado LGA of the state.

James Ocha, chariman of Ado LGA, announced the development in a letter dated November 13, 2022 and sent to the office of the special adviser on security to the Benue governor.

Ocha said the suspects were arrested in Otukpo LGA of the state and have been handed over to the Ado divisional office of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for further investigation.

On November 7, over 30 persons were killed when crisis broke out between Effium and Ezza communities in Ebonyi and Benue states.

Ocha said the crisis started in Ebonyi state and spread to the Ezza community in Benue State, adding that there is a long history of clashes between communities in Ebonyi and Benue.

He also said one of the largest markets in the Ezza community was completely destroyed.

“Sequel to the renewed Effium/Ezza crisis that has, in the last few days, claimed the lives of over thirty (30) persons within Apa Ward and neighbouring communities of Ado Local Government Area, the Benue South team of Volunteer Guards of the Benue State has achieved commendable success with the arrest of persons suspected to have masterminded the unbearable tragedy,” the letter reads.

“Sir, the information at my disposal reveals that, on Saturday the 12th of November, 2022, the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards who since the ugly incident have intensified efforts in information and intelligence gathering, rounded off a group of criminal masterminds wanted in connection with the killings in Ado and other forms of criminality in Benue State.

“The group of three said to be in possession of 2 AK-47 rifles, on suspecting the presence of the volunteer guards, attempted to escape but two out of the three were overpowered and arrested while the other is at large.

“Those arrested are Williams Okefie Epe and Patrick Ezza, while person at large has been identified as Gideon Unazi. The arrest was made at Double K Resort in Otukpo Local Government Area.

“The Volunteer Guards have since handed them over to the Ado Divisional Office of the Nigerian Police for further investigation while intensifying efforts to secure arrest of the person who is at large.

“Gideon Unazi has a track record of criminality and was once declared wanted by Ado Local Government. He is also on the wanted list of the Nigerian Police for car theft and sundry crimes.

“Sir, you may wish to recall that the brewing security challenges in Ado have led to the sack of over 10 communities out of 14 in Ulayi and the persistent killing and destruction in Inikiri and neighbouring districts.

“The persons arrested are strongly suspected to act as mercenaries to pay masters in Effium communities in Ebonyi State to champion the annihilation of our people.

“We wish to remind you of the growing numbers of internally displaced persons occasioned by these attacks which currently is above two thousand and the adverse effects it has on our collective welfare and socio-economic lifestyle.

“Sir, we have prompted our security agencies to do a most diligent job in fishing out those behind these worrisome and recurrent attacks on our harmless communities and we are sure with these arrests more culprits and suspects will be known, pursued and rounded of to bear the consequences of their inordinate actions.”