Police neutralise three bandits after kidnap and murder of traditional ruler in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has neutralised three suspected bandits during a gun battle following the k!lling of a 67-year-old Kindred Head of Mbajiir in Tongov, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on March 7, 2026 at about 7:30 p.m., when armed bandits loyal to a local kingpin identified as “Chen” had abducted the traditional ruler, Zaki Sughter Agenbeer, 67, from his residence in Une Tongov community.

The attackers reportedly took the victim into the bush and k!lled him after accusing him of providing information about their activities to security agencies.

The DPO Katsina-Ala, in collaboration with the DPO Ukum, subsequently mobilised patrol teams and tactical units to the area. 

Police operatives later engaged the bandits in a gun duel during which three of the suspects were neutralised.

The corpse of the slain victim was recovered and deposited at the Zaki-Biam Hospital mortuary, while security operatives have commenced a combing operation in nearby bushes to track down other fleeing suspects.