Seven Fulani Herders arraigned in Benue for Kidnapping, Open Grazing violations

A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, has ordered the remand of seven armed Fulani herders for charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and the rape of a female student from the Federal College of Education, Odugbo, in Otukpo Local Government Area.

The case also involves violations of the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law.

The accused individuals, said to be from various locations in Nasarawa State, were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Kalvin Mbanongu.

According to the police prosecutor, Inspector Godwin Ato, the suspects were apprehended by officers from the Apa Division on April 1, 2025, following reports of open grazing and terror activities in the area.

Inspector Ato told the court that the herders abducted a student and demanded a ransom of N10 million. Police operatives later uncovered their hideout, rescued the victim, and recovered dangerous weapons. Two other suspects reportedly fled during the operation.

The court has adjourned the case to June 11, 2025, for further mention.

Meanwhile, our correspondent gathered that the armed herders had been mounting roadblocks along major highways, including the Makurdi-Naka-Adoka-Ankpa federal highway, Taraku-Naka-Agagbe Road, and other routes around Otukpo, Apa, Agatu, and Gwer West Local Government Areas, where they have been abducting travelers and motorists.

Security agencies are said to have intensified efforts to track down other suspects still at large.