- Youths Torch Homes In Reprisal Attack
By Emmy Joe
IN A tragic turn of events that has sent shockwaves in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State, a vigilante operative has been accused of fatally shooting a man over a paltry debt of ₦9,000.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Epaigbo, Otukpa, headquarters of Ogbadibo LGA, has sparked outrage and thrown the community into turmoil.
The deceased, identified as Christopher Atabor, was reportedly confronted by the vigilante, whose identity remains unknown, after being summoned by an individual to whom he (deceased) owed the money.
What began as an attempt to enforce payment quickly escalated into a deadly confrontation, culminating in Atabor being shot and killed on the spot.
The suspect is believed to hail from Odoba-Otukpa, a neighbouring community bordering Epaigbo, the deceased village.
The killing ignited immediate reprisals from aggrieved youths in Atabo’s community. In a dramatic escalation, residents were thrown into panic as houses were set ablaze and properties belonging to individuals with no connection to the killing were destroyed.
The violence threatened to spiral into a full-blown communal clash before authorities intervened.
Caretaker Chairman of Ogbadibo LGA, Hon. Sunday Ajunwa, swiftly moved to restore order, deploying security operatives to the troubled area.
During a peace visit to the communities, Ajunwa addressed members of both sides, condemning the vigilante’s actions as an “illegal murder.”
“It is understandable to be pained over such an illegal murder, but why cause damage to innocent people? Why burn houses belonging to people who have no hand in the killing?” Ajunwa pleaded.
“Please allow peace to reign. We are brothers no matter what happens. We the Otukpa people are known to be civilised people and should not be acting this way,” Ajunwa added
The council boss urged calm while directing security teams to apprehend anyone attempting to incite further unrest, warning that such actions would be treated as criminal offences.
Ajunwa later held a peace meeting with representatives from both communities aimed to de-escalate tensions and prevent further loss of life and destruction of property.
The incident has nonetheless raised serious concerns among residents, many of whom are questioning the mandate of vigilante groups and their authority to take a life over a recoverable debt. There are also growing fears that members of the suspect’s community may be shielding the alleged culprit from justice.
Attempts to obtain an official response from the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
