A commercial driver, identified as Agage Ternenge, has been killed in a border community between Vandeikya and Obudu Local Government Areas of Benue and Cross River States, respectively.

The deceased, who hailed from Mbanyam in Mbatyough Council Ward of Vandeikya LGA, Benue State, was reportedly en route to deliver a waybill to an individual in Obudu, Cross River, when he was attacked and stoned to death.

A video currently circulating on social media shows a group of hoodlums stoning the driver, ultimately leading to his death.

PUNCH Online gathered that the incident is connected to a longstanding land dispute between the Mbazarem community in Benue and the Abonkip community in Cross River, which flared up again on Friday.

Chairman of Vandeikya LGA, Dennis Guda, said the renewed conflict was marked by sporadic gunfire allegedly initiated by Abonkip youths.

In a statement issued on Sunday through his media aide, Gbaa Nguuma, he explained that he mobilised state security operatives to the area and narrowly escaped being hit by gunfire.

The statement read partly, “On the morning of Friday, July 18, 2025, reports emerged from the Mbazarem community concerning renewed gunfire allegedly coming from the Abonkip side of the disputed borderland.

“In swift response, Hon. Guda mobilised the local security outfit Anyam Nyor, alongside other security personnel, and proceeded to the disputed area for a fact-finding and peace-keeping mission.

“Upon arrival, the Chairman and his team confirmed that gunshots were being fired.

“Disturbingly, the chairman himself had some gunshots towards his direction. Despite the danger, he moved across the area, where he observed large-scale destruction of crops worth millions of naira on the Mbazarem side, a reprisal attack by Abonkip youths who claimed their own farmlands were earlier destroyed.”

The chairman added that the crisis escalated the following day, with reports of armed groups seen parading the streets of Obudu, allegedly targeting Benue indigenes.

He noted that with the support of security agencies, Benue residents, mainly students and traders were evacuated safely from the area.

He further stated that Obudu residents living in volatile parts of Vandeikya were also safely returned and handed over to the Divisional Police Officer in Obudu.

“A joint security meeting was immediately convened in the bush involving officers from the Nigeria Police, military, and the DPOs of both Vandeikya and Obudu.

“Both communities were urged to embrace peace and allow their local governments to resolve the conflict amicably. This initial peace engagement concluded by 4:00 PM.

“However, according to security reports, hostilities resumed shortly after the Chairman departed the area.

“The Mbazarem community accused Abonkip youths of violating the agreed ‘Bush Peace Accord’ by resuming indiscriminate shooting.

“The violence intensified until about 7:00 PM, prompting the Chairman to relocate to Tsar, Mbaduku, to prevent further escalation.

“In a tragic turn of events, violence spilt from the forest into Obudu Township. Abonkip youths reportedly began attacking Tiv residents of Benue origin.

“Armed groups were seen parading the streets of Obudu, targeting Benue indigenes, many of whom are students at the Federal College of Education (which runs degree programs) and the School of Nursing, as well as traders and business people.

“In response, Chairman Guda courageously led a security-backed rescue mission into Obudu. He supervised the evacuation of Benue indigenes, students and others many of whom had sought refuge at the Obudu Central Police Station.

“The evacuation effort lasted through the night of July 18 to the evening hours of July 19, 2025.

“To prevent retaliatory violence, the Chairman also arranged for the safe return of Obudu indigenes residing in volatile areas of Vandeikya, handing them over to the DPO of Obudu.

“Sadly, it has been confirmed that Agage Iorkyaa Ternenge, a commercial driver who plied the Obudu–Gboko route, was lynched by Abonkip youths in Obudu Township.

“He had gone to deliver a waybill from Gboko when he was attacked and killed in cold blood”, the statement read in parts.

While calling for calm, Guda noted that he and his Obudu counterpart were already in talks to resolve the crisis.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that both local government chairmen had 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. (The PUNCH, excluding headline)