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Tension Mounts In Udege-Mbeki As Residents Report Late-Night Movement Of Armed Men

Udege-Mbeki, a prominent community in Nasarawa State, is currently gripped by growing fear and uncertainty following reports of suspicious movements by unidentified armed men during late-night hours.

Residents say the situation has become increasingly alarming since the abduction of Malam Suleiman Yusuf and Mr. Joseph Uguedo on March 17. Although both men were later released, the circumstances surrounding their ordeal remain unclear, leaving the community anxious and without reassurance about its safety.

In the days following their release, locals report a disturbing pattern of insecurity along access roads leading into and out of the community. Incidents of robbery and abduction have reportedly occurred, heightening fears among residents who depend on these routes for daily activities and trade.

The tension escalated further in the early hours of today, when several households claimed to have sighted unidentified men carrying firearms and moving quietly through parts of the community under the cover of darkness. The sightings triggered panic, with many residents staying awake through the night, uncertain of what might unfold.

“We are living in fear. Nobody knows who these people are or what they want,” said one resident who spoke to Ideal Reporters on condition of anonymity. “We are calling on the government to come to our aid before things get out of hand.”

Many in the community have expressed concern over what they describe as a gradual return to the dark period between 2016 and 2019, when kidnapping and violent attacks were rampant. During that time, residents recall that individuals were frequently abducted from their homes, farmlands, markets, and even places of worship.

Udege-Mbeki holds significant cultural and economic importance in Nasarawa State. It serves as the traditional headquarters of the Eloyi people and hosts the palace of the Osu Ajiri, a revered traditional institution. The community is also a thriving commercial hub, known for the production and trade of agricultural produce and solid minerals, attracting both local and international investors.

However, residents warn that the prevailing insecurity now threatens not only their safety but also their means of livelihood and the economic viability of the area.

They have collectively called on the Nasarawa State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene, restore confidence, and ensure the protection of lives and property in the community before the situation deteriorates further.