Benue Community Demands Probe Over Market Invasion

Residents of Uke’adiegba in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State have urged the federal government to investigate the alleged invasion of their new Adiegba market by a joint team of security operatives.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has stirred outrage among traders who claim that the operatives stormed the market shooting indiscriminately. According to community leaders, several shops were set ablaze, six people were arrested, money was seized from traders, and four motorcycles were taken away.

The traders alleged that the operation was led by a well-known military officer in the area. They said the operatives claimed to be carrying out a mission under the “Clean Up Sankera” exercise, designed to track down a wanted criminal figure, Anyogor Tamen.

Community leaders questioned the conduct of the operation, insisting that if the mission was legitimate, there was no justification for destroying parts of the market and dispossessing traders of their belongings. They called on the Chief of Army Staff, the federal government, and the Benue State government to intervene and hold those responsible accountable.

The Katsina-Ala council chairman, Dr. Justin Oragoholga Shaku, however, offered a different account. He explained that the security team acted on intelligence that the notorious criminal was in the area with his men. Although Tamen was not captured, some individuals believed to be his associates were arrested. He also said motorcycles were taken during the operation, but denied that money was stolen or that shops were deliberately destroyed.

Shaku described claims that he sponsored the raid as false, stressing that he personally facilitated the establishment of the Adiegba market and would not undermine its growth. He urged residents to continue their normal business activities, assuring them that there was no tension in the community.

The clash of narratives has left the community demanding clarity, with residents pressing for an independent investigation to determine whether the operation was a lawful security action or an unlawful assault on their market.