Driver Lynched as Benue-Cross River Border Conflict Escalates

A commercial driver, identified as Agage Iorkyaa Ternenge, was stoned to death in Obudu, Cross River State, amid a renewed outbreak of violence between the Mbazarem community in Benue and the Abonkip community in Cross River. The brutal killing occurred on Friday, July 18, 2025, in the context of a long-standing land dispute between the two communities.

Ternenge, who hailed from Mbanyam in Mbatyough Council Ward of Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, was reportedly en route to deliver a waybill when he was ambushed. A disturbing video circulating online shows a group of assailants stoning the driver, leading to his death.

According to reports, the conflict flared up again when sporadic gunfire erupted, allegedly initiated by youths from the Abonkip side of the disputed border. Vandeikya LGA Chairman, Dennis Guda, confirmed the renewed hostilities and stated he narrowly escaped being hit by gunfire during a peacekeeping visit to the area. In a statement released by his media aide, Gbaa Nguuma, Guda said he immediately mobilised security personnel, including the local vigilante group Anyam Nyor, to the area for an on-the-ground assessment.

Guda said his team witnessed active gunfire and significant destruction of farmlands on the Benue side, which he attributed to reprisal attacks by Abonkip youths who claimed their own farmlands had earlier been destroyed. Tensions escalated further the following day when armed groups were reportedly seen parading the streets of Obudu, allegedly targeting Benue indigenes, particularly students and traders.

With assistance from security agencies, Guda coordinated a large-scale evacuation of Benue residents from Obudu. Many had taken refuge at the Obudu Central Police Station. The evacuation effort lasted from the night of July 18 into the evening of July 19. To prevent retaliatory violence, the chairman also arranged for the safe return of Obudu residents living in volatile parts of Vandeikya, handing them over to the Divisional Police Officer in Obudu.

A joint security meeting was held in the disputed forest area, involving personnel from the police, military, and DPOs of both LGAs. Both communities were urged to cease hostilities and allow their local governments to pursue a peaceful resolution. However, Guda said gunfire resumed shortly after the meeting ended, with the Mbazarem community accusing Abonkip youths of violating the temporary ceasefire agreement.

In a tragic turn of events, the violence later spilled from the forests into Obudu Township, where Ternenge was killed. The driver, who regularly operated the Gboko–Obudu route, had travelled to deliver a parcel when he was lynched.

Benue State Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident and stated that both local government chairmen have since met and resolved to de-escalate the situation.