Tension in Benue as Residents Allege Armed Security Men Burn Down Newly Opened Adigba Market

Traders count heavy losses after overnight fire destroys stalls at community market in Katsina-Ala LGA.

Residents and traders in parts of Benue State are expressing outrage after a newly established community market was reportedly set ablaze, leaving several traders counting significant losses.

The incident occurred over the weekend at Adigba Market, located between Sai and Abako communities in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

Witnesses claim that armed personnel, believed to be members of the security forces, carried out the attack during the early hours of Saturday, destroying stalls and goods belonging to local traders.

Market opened to support local commerce

Adigba Market was recently inaugurated by the chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justin Shaku, as part of efforts to strengthen local trade and provide residents with a safer and more organised marketplace.

The facility had quickly become a trading hub for residents of nearby communities.

However, traders say the market’s future now hangs in uncertainty after the destructive fire razed much of the newly constructed trading area.

Eyewitnesses recount late-night patrol

Residents said the first sign of trouble came late Friday night when armed personnel reportedly arrived at the market during what appeared to be a patrol operation.

According to eyewitnesses, the security operatives arrived in three Hilux vans and several motorcycles while youths and traders gathered in the market area to watch a football match.

“They flashed torchlights around the market and searched the area but didn’t find anything before they left,” one resident said.

Market allegedly set ablaze hours later

Traders said the situation escalated in the early hours of Saturday when the same group allegedly returned.

According to witnesses, the armed men came back around 4:00 a.m. and set the market on fire, destroying stalls and goods.

One trader described the moment the market was engulfed in flames.

“We were watching the Chelsea match here at night when they came with vehicles and bikes,” the trader said.

“They checked around and left. But around 4 a.m., they returned and burnt the whole market.”

Calls for investigation

The incident has sparked anxiety among residents who are now calling for a thorough investigation to determine what happened and identify those responsible.

Attempts to obtain an official response from the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful at the time this report was filed.

Local traders say the destruction of the market represents a major economic setback for the community, particularly for small-scale business owners who depended on the facility for their livelihoods.