Hunters Arrest Two Traders in Benue, Release Hausa Man but Allegedly Kill Fulani Trader
Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Forest Security Service, popularly known as hunters in Benue have killed a 30-year-old Fulani trader, Dahiru Audu Yaro, after arresting him alongside another trader at Abako Market in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Taraba state.
The incident, which points to a potentially disturbing case of ethnic profiling and targeted killing in the area , reportedly occurred on Oct. 16, 2026, when the two men travelled from Bantaje in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State to sell second-hand clothes.
Sources who disclosed this to Zagazola Makama identified the traders as Muhammadu Sani, 35, and Dahiru Audu Yaro, 30.
The two men were reportedly arrested by the hunters along with their merchandise and motorcycle while conducting their business at the market.
However, in a development that demands serious scrutiny, Sani, who was identified as Hausa, was reportedly released, while Yaro, identified as Fulani, was allegedly killed.
The whereabouts of Yaro's body, motorcycle and goods remained unknown as of the latest report.
Zagazola learnt that on Oct. 17, police operatives in Abako reportedly identified and arrested those allegedly responsible for the incident.
Efforts were still ongoing to recover Yaro's body, motorcycle and goods, but the search had yet to produce any results, according to the security report.
The police are expected to establish the precise circumstances of the killing, determine whether ethnic discrimination or any other motive was involved, and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
The Benue State Government and relevant security authorities must also ensure that the Forest Security Service operates within the law and that allegations of extrajudicial killings are investigated transparently.
