By Amos Aar
AUTHORITIES in Benue State have been placed on high alert following an intelligence report indicating a planned attack by armed Fulani militias in parts of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
According to an urgent security alert credited to the State Intelligence Department (SID) of the Benue State Police Command on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, and made available to National Record, over 200 suspected militias have reportedly converged around Ukaha and Adamu villages in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala.
The militias, said to have arrived in groups of three per Bajaj motorcycle, an estimated 60 motorcycles in total, are believed to be heavily armed and ready for confrontation. The intelligence further revealed that their immediate target is Tordonga Village, also located within Utange Council Ward.
Sources within the intelligence unit disclosed that the suspected attackers have accused security personnel stationed in Tordonga of obstructing their movements, a claim believed to be fuelling tensions and increasing the likelihood of a violent confrontation.
The security alert, signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, SID, warns of the urgent need for swift deployment of security forces to the affected communities to prevent the escalation of violence.
“Immediate and heavy deployment of security forces is strongly advised to avert this looming threat. Surveillance, reinforcement, and strategic containment should be activated without delay, especially in and around Tordonga, Ukaha, and Adamu villages,” the alert reads.
The document, which was circulated to top security operatives, government officials, and community leaders, also recommends that local vigilante groups and community heads be discreetly informed to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.
Copies of the alert were sent to the Benue State Commissioner of Police, the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Governor of Benue State, the Nigerian Army in Makurdi, and other relevant authorities including the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Local government authorities in Katsina-Ala as well as leaders of affected communities were also notified for prompt coordination and grassroots-level preparedness.
As of the time of filing this report, no official reaction has been issued by the Benue State Government or the police command, but sources confirm that security agencies have commenced preliminary actions in response to the alert.
Asked in a WhatsApp group if the security alert is truly from the Benue State Police Command, the police public relations officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Udeme Edet, simply confirmed it with an emoji.
