A commercial driver, Agage Iorkyaa Ternenge, has been confirmed dead following a brutal attack by suspected youths in Obudu, Cross River State. The incident occurred in a border community between Vandeikya (Benue State) and Obudu (Cross River State), amid an escalating land dispute between the Mbazarem and Abonkip communities.
Ternenge, a native of Mbanyam in Mbatyough Council Ward, Vandeikya LGA, was reportedly traveling to Obudu to deliver a waybill when he was ambushed and stoned to death.
A disturbing video circulating on social media captures the moment hoodlums attacked the driver, resulting in his death. The incident has sparked outrage and heightened tensions in the region.
Longstanding Land Dispute Reignites
The violence is reportedly rooted in a longstanding land dispute between the Mbazarem community in Benue and the Abonkip community in Cross River, which reignited on Friday, July 18, 2025.
Chairman of Vandeikya LGA, Dennis Guda, confirmed that the crisis began with sporadic gunfire allegedly initiated by Abonkip youths. In a statement issued by his media aide, Gbaa Nguuma, Guda recounted narrowly escaping gunfire during a visit to the area for a fact-finding and peacekeeping mission.
“Upon arrival, the Chairman and his team confirmed that gunshots were being fired. Disturbingly, the Chairman himself had some gunshots directed toward him,” the statement said.
Guda said he witnessed extensive damage to crops on the Mbazarem side, a retaliatory act by Abonkip youths who claimed their farms had earlier been destroyed.
Escalation and Rescue Efforts
The violence spilled into Obudu Township on Saturday, with reports of armed groups targeting Benue indigenes, especially students and traders. Guda stated that, with the support of security agencies, several Benue residents were successfully evacuated from the area.
Obudu residents living in volatile parts of Vandeikya were also safely returned and handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Obudu.
“A joint security meeting involving officers from the Nigeria Police, military, and DPOs of both local governments was convened in the bush. Communities were urged to embrace peace and allow their LGAs to resolve the dispute amicably,” the Chairman said.
Despite the intervention, hostilities resumed shortly after the security teams left. Reports indicate that Abonkip youths violated a previously agreed ‘Bush Peace Accord’, resuming indiscriminate shooting.
Tragic Killing of Driver
In the most tragic development, the lynching of Agage Iorkyaa Ternenge occurred in Obudu Township on the evening of July 19. According to the statement:
“He had gone to deliver a waybill from Gboko when he was attacked and killed in cold blood.”
Authorities Call for Calm
Chairman Guda assured that he and his counterpart in Obudu are actively working together to defuse tensions and prevent further bloodshed. He emphasized the importance of peace and cooperation between the affected communities.
Spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident and acknowledged that both local government chairmen have met to address the situation.
“Yes, I am aware that the chairmen of the two local government areas have met and resolved the crisis,” Edet said.
