TENSION IN LESSEL AS YOUTHS INTERCEPT SUSPECTED HERDSMEN AMID RUMOUR OF ATTACK
Tension is reportedly escalating in Lessel, the administrative headquarters of Ushongo Local Government Area in Benue State, following the interception of a group of suspected Fulani herdsmen by local youths. The suspects were apprehended while travelling in a bus allegedly carrying undisclosed goods.
Eyewitnesses say the youths stopped the vehicle and demanded to verify its contents. However, the suspects refused to disclose the nature of the cargo. Before any further action could be taken by the youths, police officers arrived and took both the suspects and the vehicle into custody.
The Divisional Police Station in Lessel received the group, but matters took a more controversial turn when it was revealed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), DSP Abubakar Abba, had quietly transferred the suspects out of the town, reportedly to Makurdi, the state capital. Meanwhile, the bus and its still-unverified contents were left at the Lessel station.
This incident has fueled suspicion and unrest among residents, especially after the circulation of an audio warning earlier in the day, alleging a planned attack on Ushongo by suspected herdsmen.
Youth leaders in the area say they made contact with the Ushongo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Terkimbi Adzu, who confirmed he was returning from Makurdi after attending President Bola Tinubu’s visit and assured that he would take charge of the situation upon arrival.
The unfolding scenario has drawn the concern of Benue citizens, with Chief Bemgba Iortyom, a prominent community leader, calling on the police command in Makurdi, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Governor’s Security Advisers, and other relevant security agencies to urgently intervene and clarify the situation.
Many residents are demanding transparency from the police regarding the identities of the suspects and the contents of the intercepted vehicle, amid growing fears of a looming security threat.
Credit: citizen tv