A wave of tension has gripped Tse-Abali Shor in Ukum Local Government Area following the arrest of an alleged serial thief, which reportedly provoked a deadly retaliatory attack by armed men.
According to community reports shared by Hrh OrSankera Afaakaa, residents of Tse-Abari captured a motorcycle rider from Zaki-Biam on Tuesday afternoon after he allegedly stole a goat. The suspect, whose bike was found abandoned nearby, was confronted by villagers who gathered at the scene. Terver Mchianam, also known as Otuaka or Angbya, intervened to investigate the matter.
During questioning, the young man reportedly confessed to being from the Erukaa family and admitted to multiple thefts. He allegedly stole two goats previously, sold them, burgled the NKST church, and took bags of locust beans, rice, and 130 pieces of yams from villagers. Further inquiries revealed claims that he had been involved in theft for a long time, including breaking into a store at the Yam Market during the tenure of Hon. Steven Ayua as chairman.
Angbya subsequently handed the suspect and his Honda Cub motorcycle over to the police for further action. However, shortly after, armed Fulani men were reportedly seen in the village inquiring about Angbya’s whereabouts. Villagers pointed them in his direction, and the group returned fully prepared around 4:30 pm before withdrawing.
That night, the armed men returned to the village and went to the house of the man whose goat was stolen. According to accounts, they killed the man after he reportedly could not produce Angbya or the thief. The incident has left the community in fear.
Community members are now calling for heightened security and protection for Terver Mchianam and residents of the area, urging the government to intervene and safeguard villagers amid the escalating tensions. The event adds to a series of recent security challenges reported across Ukum and neighboring areas in Benue State.
