A tragic incident has occurred in Akor village, Nzorob Council Ward, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where a prominent farmer, Terzungwe Shaku, was killed by gunmen shortly after his family paid a ransom of N5.5 million. The killing has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising further concerns about the insecurity plaguing the region.
Timeline of the Incident
Terzungwe Shaku, a well-known farmer and shop owner in Akor, was abducted by gunmen shortly before the New Year celebrations. His family endured weeks of negotiations, during which the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N20 million. After prolonged discussions, the family managed to negotiate the amount down to N5.5 million.
Despite fulfilling the kidnappers’ demands, the ordeal ended in tragedy. According to a family source who wished to remain anonymous, the farmer was killed at the very spot where the ransom was dropped.
“It is true. Akor is my village. Terzungwe owned a provision shop here. Early last year, Fulani herdsmen attacked him, but this time, gunmen kidnapped him. They demanded N10 million, but the family negotiated down to N5.5 million. Unfortunately, the abductors shot and killed him at the same spot where the ransom was dropped,” the source explained.
Security Response and Silence
The murder has highlighted a glaring issue of poor communication and response from local authorities. When contacted, the Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Maurice Orwough, stated that he was unaware of the incident. Similarly, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, said, “I don’t have this information, please,” in a brief text message.
The lack of acknowledgment from local government officials and law enforcement has fueled concerns about the effectiveness of security measures and the ability of authorities to protect residents in rural areas.
Insecurity in Guma Local Government Area
This latest incident is not isolated. The Guma LGA has been a hotspot for violent crimes, particularly those involving armed herdsmen and other criminal groups. Kidnappings, ransom demands, and violent attacks have become distressingly frequent, leaving residents in a perpetual state of fear.
In 2023 alone, multiple incidents of attacks on farmers and villages in the region were reported, with many cases involving kidnappings for ransom. Victims and their families often face significant financial and emotional strain as they struggle to meet the demands of kidnappers. Tragically, even compliance does not guarantee safety, as evidenced by Shaku’s case.
Community Outcry
The killing of Terzungwe Shaku has sparked outrage among residents of Akor and neighboring communities. Locals lament the lack of effective security measures and the absence of government intervention to address the rising cases of abductions and killings.
A community elder, who also chose to remain anonymous, expressed frustration at the current state of insecurity. “We are living in fear every day. Our farmers are targeted, and now even after paying ransoms, they are killed. What is the government doing to help us? We are left to fend for ourselves,” the elder said.
Broader Implications
The killing of Terzungwe Shaku underscores the broader issue of insecurity in rural Nigeria, particularly in regions like Benue State, where farmers often bear the brunt of violent attacks. The reliance on ransom payments as a solution has become a risky gamble for families, as kidnappers increasingly show a willingness to harm victims regardless of compliance.
The incident also raises questions about the accountability of local authorities and the effectiveness of police operations in tackling crime. With local officials reportedly unaware of the incident, the gap between community needs and government response is glaring.
Calls for Action
Residents of Guma and other affected areas have called for urgent government intervention to address the growing insecurity. Suggestions include:
- Improved Security Presence: Deploying additional security forces to vulnerable areas to deter criminal activities.
- Community Policing: Empowering local vigilantes and community policing groups to work alongside law enforcement agencies.
- Proactive Intelligence Gathering: Strengthening intelligence efforts to preemptively identify and dismantle criminal networks.
- Government Accountability: Ensuring that local government officials and law enforcement agencies are responsive and proactive in addressing security issues.
Conclusion
The death of Terzungwe Shaku is a tragic reminder of the insecurity that continues to plague rural communities in Nigeria. As families mourn their loss and residents live in fear, it is imperative for the government and security agencies to take decisive action to restore safety and confidence in these vulnerable areas. Failure to do so risks perpetuating a cycle of violence and insecurity that undermines the well-being and livelihoods of countless Nigerians.
