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Controversial militia figures Aboh James (also known as Ayongo Tamen) and DJ Abam reportedly convened a closed-door meeting yesterday around 2:00 p.m. in Katsina-Ala, Benue State, according to local sources monitoring security developments in the area.
The gathering has drawn attention due to the individuals’ long-standing association with cycles of violence that have claimed dozens of lives across surrounding communities in recent years. Despite these links to repeated deadly clashes, both men were reportedly accorded a heroic welcome by segments of the local population upon their appearance, highlighting the complex and often polarized perceptions of armed actors in parts of the state.
Aboh James, born in 1995, is the younger brother of the late Clement Tamen, who served as a high-ranking general under the infamous militia leader Terwase Akwaza, widely known as Gana. Following his brother’s death, James Aboh allegedly took possession of a rifle from Clement’s hidden cache and began carrying out local armed robberies. Over time, he built and assumed leadership of his own armed group, establishing control over designated territories primarily in Katsina-Ala.
He is frequently accused of crossing into neighbouring Ukum Local Government Area to impose and collect illegal “taxes” from farmers, traders, and other residents, contributing to widespread insecurity and economic hardship in affected farming communities.
In late 2024, Abon was among more than 300 armed youths and gang members who reportedly surrendered their weapons as part of peace negotiations facilitated by the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese. He later participated in additional dialogue sessions held in July 2025 aimed at sustaining the fragile calm.
The identity and background of DJ Abam were not detailed in the available accounts, though he is described alongside Aboh as a key figure in the local militia landscape.
The closed-door nature of yesterday’s meeting has raised questions among observers about its purpose—whether related to ongoing peace efforts, territorial arrangements, or other matters—especially given the history of mistrust and violence tied to the personalities involved.
While some community members continue to view these figures through the lens of protection or local power dynamics, others see their presence and reception as a troubling reminder of unresolved impunity and the challenges facing genuine disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes in Benue’s troubled zones.
No official statement has been issued by security agencies or local government authorities concerning the meeting at the time of this report. Residents in Katsina-Ala and Ukum remain on edge, hoping that any discussions contribute to lasting peace rather than renewed tensions.
