The Benue State Police Command has arrested three suspects linked to the recent deadly attack on Anwule community in Ohimini Local Government Area, where several residents, including a pastor, were killed. The arrests come after weeks of investigation into a series of violent incidents that have troubled communities in the area.
The suspects were identified as Isah Peter and Moses Peter, both from Agatu Local Government Area, and a Fulani herdsman whose name was not immediately released. According to the police, the suspects were picked up following intelligence reports and detailed investigations that connected them to the Anwule killings.
In a development that has shocked residents, police revealed that 22-year-old Isah Peter, who serves as the acting commander of the Eguma community vigilante group, allegedly used a community-owned firearm during the attack. The revelation has raised concerns about the misuse of vigilante networks in rural areas, where local security groups are expected to support law enforcement, not threaten citizens.
Speaking after his arrest, Isah confessed that he carried out the attack under the instructions of a man he identified only as “Pepper.” He claimed that Pepper provided the weapon used in the operation and directed the movements of the assailants.
The police also disclosed that Isah admitted involvement in several other violent incidents along the Otukpo–Oweto highway, a route that has become increasingly dangerous in the past year. The highway has gained a reputation for frequent kidnappings, robberies, and killings carried out by armed gangs and rogue vigilante members.
Isah’s confession has raised new questions about the structure of vigilante groups in Benue State and how easily firearms can be misused by those entrusted with community protection.
The attack on Anwule community left residents devastated. Reports indicated that several people, including a pastor, were killed, while others were injured or displaced. The community has repeatedly appealed to security agencies for stronger protection, especially as attacks in the region continue to rise.
For years, communities in Ohimini, Otukpo, Agatu, and surrounding areas have faced attacks linked to land disputes, herdsmen–farmer clashes, bandit operations, and communal tensions. Many residents say they no longer feel safe travelling at night or farming far from their homes.
The Otukpo–Oweto highway, mentioned in Isah’s confession, has become one of the most dangerous routes in the state. Over the last year, there have been frequent reports of travellers being abducted, robbed, or killed by armed groups operating in the area.
Local sources say that drivers and commuters now avoid travelling on the highway except during daytime, and even then, many prefer to move in groups or wait for police-escorted convoys. Transporters have repeatedly called on the federal and state governments to improve security along the corridor, warning that the continued insecurity is harming trade, transportation, and economic activities.
The Benue State Police Command has assured the public that more arrests will be made as investigations continue. According to spokespersons, the police are working to track down the criminal network behind the Anwule attack as well as other violent incidents in the area.
Police authorities say they are interrogating the suspects and following leads provided in their confessions. They also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement officers by sharing reliable information that could help dismantle criminal gangs operating in the region.
The police highlighted that restoring peace in communities like Anwule remains a top priority, and they will not hesitate to arrest anyone found aiding or participating in violent crimes.
The involvement of a vigilante commander in the attack has renewed debate over the role of local security groups in Nigeria. In many states, vigilante outfits operate with government support to help reduce crime, especially in rural communities where police presence is limited.
For the people of Anwule, the arrests mark an important step, but the community continues to mourn its dead and hopes for swift justice. Many residents have called on the state government to increase security patrols and ensure that attacks like this do not happen again.
