Metro
Suspected herders murdered businessman after collecting N5.5m ransom in Benue

From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Armed men suspected to be herders have reportedly murdered a businessman, Mr Terungwa Shaku after he was abducted and held hostage for weeks and the sum of N5.5 million was paid as ransom.
Shaku who is also a farmer, hails from Akor village in Nzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, a border community to Nasarawa state, is known for his farming prowess and also business man who sells drinks at the Akor village market.
Nzorov Council Ward is the hometown of the immediate past governor, Samuel Ortom.
However, he was kidnapped by suspected herders and was held hostage for over two weeks before he was killed.
A source from the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity said that after his kidnap, his abductors contacted the family and demanded N10 million as ransom.
“But the family members pleaded with them and after much negotiation, paid N5.5 million to the kidnappers.
“Unfortunately, Shaku was found dead at the point where he was supposed to be released.”
The source said the incident caused serious fear among the villagers causing many to flee their homes for fear of attacks.
The source explained that villagers, particularly, residents of Akor and adjoining communities in Nzorov Council Ward have deserted the area as some were seen evacuating their belongings to neighbouring villages.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene said she does not have the information yet.
Also speaking, Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on External Security and Liaison, Lt. Col. Alexander Ashungu rtd, said he is not aware of the incident. He promised to make contacts to confirm exactly what happened.
Meanwhile, a close relative of the deceased who spoke off-press said “It is true. Akor is my village. He (Terzungwe) owns a provision shop in Akor. Early last year, Fulani herdsmen had attacked him.
“But this time around, the herdsmen kidnapped him, just before the new year and took him away for about two weeks. They demanded a ransom of N10 million but his family negotiated with them and they arrived at a ransom of N5.5 million.
“Unfortunately, the herdsmen killed him at the same spot where they had directed the family to drop the ransom. What happened is that he was shot and killed by his abductors.
“The relatives dropped the ransom at the spot they were ordered to and had barely moved out of the area when they heard gunshots and immediately returned to the spot and saw his lifeless body sprawled out on the ground. I believe he has already been buried.”