There was fierce gun battle between suspected herdsmen and military troops stationed near Tse Asha and Ukange villages in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State over the weekend.

Eyewitnesses said the fight took place two kilometers away from the Ortese Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.

A resident, Zege Orkwande, said security operatives have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

“There is an on-going exchange of gunfire between suspected Fulani herdsmen and military personnel near Ortese in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

“The clash is happening around Tse Asha and Ukange villages, approximately two kilometers from the Ortese IDP camp.”We are already leaving the area for fear of being a victim”.

However, efforts to get to the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer failed as she did not respond to messages sent.

*Abducted Benue Links passengers regain freedom

Twelve passengers who were kidnapped in Eke-Elengbecho community along Enugu -Otukpo federal road in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State have been freed.

The passengers were abducted on June 22, 2025, while returning from Abeokuta in Ogun State to Benue State were released on Sunday after spending seven days in the kidnappers’ den.

They regained their freedom on Sunday afternoon and were received at the Okpokwu Divisional Police Station.

Two of the passengers, said to be in a weakened state, were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical care.

The passengers were travelling in a government-owned Benue Links commercial bus, with registration number 14B-143BN, when the vehicle was ambushed near Eke while en route from Abeokuta, Ogun State, to Makurdi.

The information officer of the Benue Links Transport Company, Ehi Johnson, confirmed the freedom of the passengers but said the circumstances surrounding their freedom remained unclear.

”The passengers, who were initially twelve (12) at the point of abduction, with two earlier rescued, had been held against their will by unidentified individuals but have now regained their freedom. 

We are deeply grateful that they have returned safely and are in stable condition. 

Appropriate medical evaluations and counseling are currently ongoing to support their well-being after this distressing ordeal.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the relevant security agencies, community leaders, and all those who played a critical role in facilitating the release of the passengers. 

“Their coordinated efforts and dedicated commitment to the safety of citizens have been invaluable during this challenging time.

“Benue Links Nigeria Limited remains steadfast in our commitment to the safety and security of all our passengers and staff.

”We will continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement authorities to ensure that justice is served and to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. Enhanced security measures are also being implemented across all our routes to further safeguard our operations”, Johnson said.

When contacted, Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet said she was yet to receive official details regarding the passengers’ release. (Daily Asset newspaper)