Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have arrested three individuals linked to the recent deadly assault on the Anwule community in the Ohimini Local Government Area, where multiple victims, including a pastor, lost their lives.

The suspects — identified as Isah Peter and Moses Peter from the Agatu Local Government Area, along with a Fulani herdsman — were taken into custody following weeks of investigation. Isah, who reportedly serves as the acting head of the Eguma community vigilante unit, is accused of using a firearm owned by the community to execute the attack.

During interrogation, 22-year-old Isah confessed that he carried out the assault under the instruction of an individual known as “Pepper,” who allegedly supplied the weapon. He also admitted participating in several violent operations along the Otukpo–Oweto highway.

For more than a year, the Otukpo–Oweto axis has been plagued by recurring attacks on motorists, with incidents of kidnappings and killings attributed to armed groups and rogue vigilantes. Many residents and travellers now restrict movement along the route to daytime hours or rely on police-escorted trips.

Condemning the latest violence, human rights advocate Meddy Olotu said: “It is alarming that individuals meant to safeguard communities are now contributing to insecurity. Security agencies must carry out a thorough probe to ensure safety is restored along the Otukpo–Oweto route.”

Police authorities stated that the investigation remains active and indicated that additional arrests are likely as efforts continue to dismantle the network behind the attacks.