Driver lynched in fresh Benue, C/River boundary dispute

A driver has been confirmed killed in a land dispute between border communities in Benue and Cross River states.  Many others have also been displaced following the violence that erupted over the weekend. The victim, identified as Agage Iorkyaa Ternenge, a commercial driver from Mbanyam in Mbatyough Council Ward of Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA) […]

A driver has been confirmed killed in a land dispute between border communities in Benue and Cross River states. 

Many others have also been displaced following the violence that erupted over the weekend.

The victim, identified as Agage Iorkyaa Ternenge, a commercial driver from Mbanyam in Mbatyough Council Ward of Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State, was allegedly lynched on Friday, July 18, 2025, while on a routine trip to deliver a waybill in Obudu, Cross River State.

Witness accounts, including a disturbing video circulating on social media, showed Ternenge being stoned to death by suspected youths in Obudu, alleged to be from the Abonkip community.

The incident has heightened tensions over the disputed boundary between Mbazarem in Benue State and Abonkip in Cross River State. 

This conflict reportedly reignited last Friday with renewed gunfire and the destruction of farmland.

Dennis Kuda, Chairman of Vandeikya LGA, in a statement issued through his media aide, Gbaa Nguuma, confirmed the renewed hostilities and described the killing as a tragic escalation of long-standing tensions.

“On the morning of Friday, July 18, 2025, reports emerged from Mbazarem community concerning renewed gunfire allegedly coming from the Abonkip side of the disputed borderland,” the statement said.

Kuda noted that he led a joint security team, including the local vigilante group, Anyam Nyor, and formal security operatives, on a fact-finding and peacekeeping mission to the area, during which he narrowly escaped being hit by gunfire. 

He also observed large-scale destruction of farmlands worth millions of naira on the Benue side, allegedly in retaliation for earlier damage claimed by Abonkip youths.

According to the chairman, the crisis worsened the following day as armed groups were reportedly seen patrolling parts of Obudu township and targeting Tiv residents of Benue origin.

“Armed groups were parading the streets of Obudu, attacking Benue indigenes, many of whom are students of the Federal College of Education, School of Nursing, and local traders,” Kuda said.

He disclosed that with support from security personnel, a nighttime rescue operation was launched, successfully evacuating Benue residents who had taken refuge at the Obudu Central Police Station between Friday and Saturday. Kuda also facilitated the safe return of Obudu indigenes living in volatile parts of Vandeikya LGA to prevent retaliatory attacks, handing them over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Obudu.

However, Kuda noted that shortly after a peace meeting held in the bush with security agencies from both states, hostilities reportedly resumed. The Mbazarem community accused Abonkip youths of violating a “Bush Peace Accord” by resuming indiscriminate shooting.

“In a tragic turn of events, the violence spilled into Obudu township, leading to the killing of Agage Iorkyaa Ternenge. 

He had travelled from Gboko to deliver a waybill when he was attacked and murdered in cold blood,” the statement read.

Kuda called for calm, urging both communities to embrace dialogue and allow the authorities to resolve the boundary dispute.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that both chairmen had met to de-escalate the crisis. 

“Yes, I’m aware the chairmen of the two local government areas have met and resolved the crisis,” Edet said.