Troops Rescue 36 Benue Indigenes Held Hostage in Cross River

Nigerian Army troops have successfully rescued 36 indigenes of Benue State who were allegedly held against their will in Imaje Community, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, following a reprisal attack linked to a livestock theft dispute. The timely military operation, conducted on Thursday, prevented further escalation of the crisis and restored calm to the community.

No fewer than 36 indigenes of Benue State have been rescued by Nigerian Army troops in Cross River State. The victims were held hostage in Imaje Community, Yala Local Government Area, following a reprisal attack sparked by a livestock theft dispute that threatened to escalate into a wider communal conflict. Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the incident on Saturday, June 27, 2026, via a post on X (formerly Twitter). According to Makama, troops from the 130 Battalion (Rear), in collaboration with the 341 Artillery Regiment, conducted the operation around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. The troops raided the location and successfully rescued all the hostages.

The rescued victims reportedly told security operatives that the incident began after an indigene of Imaje Community was allegedly attacked by some youths from Benue State over the theft of livestock. The attack on the Imaje indigene triggered anger among community members, who vowed to retaliate against Benue residents living in the area. In retaliation, some members of the Imaje Community targeted Benue residents living in the area, attacking them and holding them against their will. The victims, who are predominantly farmers and traders, were reportedly confined in various locations within the community, with some allegedly subjected to physical abuse and intimidation during their captivity.

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The Nigerian Army‘s intervention came after security agencies received intelligence reports about the hostage situation. The troops from the 130 Battalion (Rear) and the 341 Artillery Regiment were deployed to the area and conducted a coordinated raid on the community. The operation was carried out with precision to avoid civilian casualties and ensure the safe rescue of all hostages. Makama confirmed that the troops successfully rescued all 36 victims and that calm has been restored in the community. The timely military operation prevented further escalation of the conflict and averted what could have degenerated into a full-blown communal crisis between Benue and Cross River residents in the area.

Security agencies are maintaining a presence in the area to forestall any renewed violence, while investigations into the incident are ongoing. Troops have been deployed to monitor the situation and prevent any reprisal attacks from either side. Community leaders from both Benue and Cross River states have been engaged to help de-escalate tensions and promote peaceful coexistence among residents.

The hostage crisis had created significant tension in the border communities between Benue and Cross River states, with many Benue residents living in the area fearing for their safety. The rescue operation has brought relief to the affected families and the broader Benue community in Cross River State. The Benue State Government has expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for the successful rescue operation. Officials have also called on both states to strengthen collaboration to prevent future occurrences of such conflicts, which often arise from minor disputes that escalate into larger crises.

Troops Rescue 36 Benue Indigenes Held Hostage in Cross River

Why Mr Ibu’s Properties Were Sold – Widow Defends Family Decision

Stella Maris Okafor, widow of late Nollywood comic actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has broken her silence over the controversy surrounding the sale of her late husband’s properties. She insists the decision was not hers alone but a collective family choice backed by a court order, as she faces public scrutiny and allegations of financial mismanagement from the actor’s children and extended family.

The widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, Stella Maris Okafor, has addressed the controversies surrounding the sale of her husband’s properties after facing public scrutiny and allegations of financial mismanagement. The controversy erupted following her recent public appeal for financial assistance, where she revealed the family had been without electricity for two months and her children had been sent home from school over unpaid fees.

Speaking in an interview with content creator King Mitchy, Stella explained that the sale of the properties was carried out in accordance with a court order and with the full involvement of Mr Ibu’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor. She stated that she possesses documents to support her claims and is prepared to present them to the public if necessary. “I have to show you this document. This is a court order. We—I didn’t, not me alone. My husband’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor, and I did it according to the court order. Every evidence is here. We sold the house. I am not the one that sold the house,” she stated.

According to Stella, the land in Enugu was sold for N17 million, and the proceeds were used to fund Mr Ibu’s burial expenses. “That land that was sold in Enugu, three of us sold that land because of the burial. It was N17 million. Go and ask the children,” she shared. She further clarified that the sale was not a unilateral decision: “We sold his house. I am not the one who sold the house. We sold the house.” Stella also explained that the proceeds from the sale of other properties, including a house in Lagos reportedly sold for N60 million, were used to settle outstanding medical bills incurred during Mr Ibu’s prolonged illness and other family obligations.

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Stella also revealed that disagreements began shortly after Mr Ibu’s burial when some family members demanded that she share money given to her during the funeral. The money, which amounted to N500,000, was given for the upkeep of her children, but family members insisted she must share it with them. “Before they sold the land, we were still in the village, and they were arguing with me over the money they gave me during the burial. They insisted that I must share the money with them. I told them the money was for my children. The money was N500,000,” she explained. She further disclosed that the family disagreements extended to other financial matters, including donations received during the actor’s illness and funeral. According to Stella, some family members demanded a share of all funds that came into the family, creating tension and mistrust.

Mr Ibu’s son, Somtochukwu Okafor, had earlier accused Stella of secretly selling off his late father’s properties and keeping the proceeds for herself and her biological children. He alleged that a house in Lagos was sold for N60 million, while properties in Enugu and Asaba were also allegedly sold after the actor’s death. He claimed that despite the sales, he received little or no support from Stella and struggled to pay for his education. “Even when I called her asking for money for my WAEC, she told me she doesn’t have. She didn’t reply to my messages and didn’t pick my calls. The money Nigerians contributed when my dad was sick, she ate everything alone,” he alleged. Somtochukwu also expressed frustration that he was not adequately informed about the sale of the properties and that he and his siblings were left in the dark about the family’s financial decisions. He called for transparency and accountability from Stella regarding the management of his late father’s assets.

Stella dismissed these claims, stating that her husband never told her he had children from a previous relationship before they married. “My husband never told me that he was married before. Even the first son, I keep seeing him in the house. My husband never for one day told me that he was his son. Even in marriage with him, he impregnated a lady who gave birth to twins,” she added. She also questioned why Somtochukwu and other family members did not step forward to contribute to the burial expenses or medical bills if they were genuinely concerned about the family’s welfare. Stella maintained that she had always acted in the best interest of the family and had nothing to hide.

The controversy deepened when a woman identifying herself as Mr Ibu’s first wife accused Stella of financial mismanagement and facilitating the arrest of two relatives during the actor’s illness. She further alleged that Stella sold some of the late actor’s assets, including an Enugu property reportedly worth N18 million and a house in Lagos, without consulting other members of the family. She also claimed that Stella had her son and adopted daughter arrested during Mr Ibu’s illness over disagreements about donations. According to her, Stella is the fifth wife of the late actor and should not present her children as the only heirs. She called on the public to verify facts before taking sides in the family dispute.

Following Stella’s plea for financial assistance, well-meaning Nigerians contributed a total of N7.5 million to support the family. Content creator King Mitchy revealed that the donations would help pay the children’s school fees, including the eldest daughter’s WAEC fees, and assist with rent. However, some Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to the controversy, with some sympathizing with Stella while others have criticized her for allegedly mismanaging the late actor’s assets. Actor Tenkobo also faulted Stella, accusing her of using the late actor’s name to seek public donations despite allegedly selling off valuable properties.

Stella also disclosed that she currently runs an online jewellery business, explaining that her late husband had initially discouraged her from venturing into it while she was still acting. She further revealed plans to leave her current residence, describing it as too expensive to maintain, and said she only moved there because of security concerns and public pressure following her husband’s death. “I did not intend to come to this place. It’s because of pressure and security, but I am packing out,” she said. She also expressed gratitude to Nigerians who have supported her and her children during this difficult period, while urging the public not to judge her based on unverified allegations.

Why Mr Ibu’s Properties Were Sold – Widow Defends Family Decision

Uba Sani assures justice for Ummulkhairi’s family, promises support for children

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has visited the family of Ummulkhairi Usman Aliyu, the woman who was killed by a mob in the Maraban Jos area of the state, assuring them that everyone involved in the attack will be brought to justice while the government takes responsibility for the welfare and education of her children.

The governor paid the condolence visit to the deceased’s husband, Malam Aliyu, and other members of the bereaved family on Saturday, expressing sympathy over the tragic incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against mob justice in Nigeria.

Describing the killing as a heinous act that has no place in a civilized society, Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every person connected to the attack is identified, arrested and prosecuted.

“I made it unequivocally clear that those responsible for this heinous act will be identified, apprehended, and brought before the law. We shall pursue every lead with diligence and resolve, and no individual connected to this tragic incident will escape accountability,” the governor said.

Providing an update on the investigation, Governor Sani disclosed that 41 suspects have already been charged with culpable homicide, while another 30 suspects are facing charges of unlawful assembly.

He added that 17 suspects had been released after investigations found no evidence linking them to the crime, while 41 additional suspects remain under investigation as security agencies continue efforts to identify and arrest others believed to have participated in the attack.

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The governor stressed that the investigation remains active and promised that no one found culpable would be shielded from prosecution.

Governor Sani also issued a stern warning that any police officer found to have been directly or indirectly involved in the incident would face the full weight of the law.

“I further assured them that a comprehensive investigation remains underway and that any police personnel found to have been directly or indirectly complicit will face the full consequences of the law,” he said.

The governor’s statement comes amid public calls for accountability, with many demanding that both civilians and security personnel found to have played any role in the incident be prosecuted.

Beyond seeking justice, Governor Sani announced that the Kaduna State Government would assume responsibility for the education and welfare of the children left behind by Ummulkhairi.

He said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to supporting families affected by violent crimes while ensuring the children are not deprived of educational opportunities because of the tragedy.

“We also pledged to Malam Aliyu that the Kaduna State Government will assume responsibility for the education and welfare of the children Ummulkhairi left behind. Our duty extends beyond words; it demands compassion, justice, and steadfast action,” he added.

The governor also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant her family the strength to cope with the painful loss.

The killing of Ummulkhairi has reignited national conversations about the dangers of mob justice, with civil society organisations, religious leaders and community stakeholders calling for stronger enforcement of the law and greater public awareness to discourage jungle justice.

Human rights advocates have also urged authorities to ensure that everyone involved in the attack is prosecuted, arguing that swift justice is necessary to deter similar incidents across the country.

The Kaduna State Government reiterated that it would continue working closely with security agencies until investigations are concluded and justice is fully served.

Uba Sani assures justice for Ummulkhairi’s family, promises support for children