By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Uke’adiegba community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State has called on the Federal Government to intervene and investigate the continued invasion and burning of the recently commissioned Adiegba Market by men of the Nigerian Army.
Dr. Tarwa Isaac, the market director, told Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday that personnel of the Nigerian Army have persistently invaded and destroyed the Adiegba Market, allegedly carting away valuables and cash belonging to traders.
The market director alleged that last week’s invasion was the second attack on the market since 2025 and has posed a serious threat to lives and the economic growth of residents.
“The market was originally established by the late Zaki Adie Gbaakyo and was commissioned by Hon. Justin Shaku, Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government, on July 26, 2025.
“In August 2025, men of the Nigerian Army, led by one Dan Zulu, invaded and destroyed the market, claiming that the operation was aimed at searching for a bandit leader, Anyogor Tamen.
“The army again invaded and burnt down the market on March 15, 2026, and allegedly carted away valuables and cash belonging to traders, including vulnerable IDPs from Taraba State taking refuge in the area,” Dr. Tarwa alleged.
Speaking on behalf of the Mbajir community, the market director expressed concern that the Nigerian Army, which is established to ensure the security and well-being of citizens, was instead crippling the local economy and creating hardship for vulnerable residents.
“The security agencies have always claimed that their actions are part of a special operation known as ‘Clean Up Sankera,’ targeted at hunting down a notorious criminal leader, Anyogor Tamen.
“It is disturbing that personnel on a legitimate mission would resort to burning markets and dispossessing traders of their valuables. We appeal to the Chief of Army Staff, as well as the Federal and Benue State Governments, to look into the matter,” he added.
He further alleged that the military burnt down the entire market and directed neighbouring communities to stay away from the area to avoid further destruction.
“They invaded the market on March 25, 2026, shooting sporadically and setting the entire market ablaze. They have also warned neighbouring communities to stay away. We do not know our offence,” he said.
“They claim their actions are in search of a bandit leader, Anyogor Tamen.
“We want to state clearly that Mr. Anyogor Tamen has not visited the Mbajir communities since 2024, and we do not know his whereabouts.
“It is unfortunate that since 2024, security agencies have not seen Anyogor or his associates in the communities, yet they continue to carry out such destruction against the people’s economy and development,” Dr. Tarwa stated.
He also alleged that the community had reported the matter to the Katsina-Ala Local Government Chairman but no action had been taken.
“We reported the military action to the council chairman, Hon. Justin Shaku, but no positive action has been taken. We urge the Federal Government to intervene and investigate the activities of the military against innocent and vulnerable residents of Mbajir in Uke’adiegba, a border community between Benue and Taraba states,” he appealed.
Meanwhile, the Katsina-Ala Council Chairman, Hon. Dr. Justin Oragoholga Shaku, blamed the community for allegedly harbouring the bandit leader, Anyogor Tamen.
“I have not been silent on the matter. I urge Adiegba residents to hand over Anyogor to the military so they can have peace.
“Our people have been suffering due to Anyogor’s activities. He is a known bandit who has been hiding in the area.
“The military has been invading the market because the people have refused to hand over the bandit leader, Anyogor Tamen, to security agencies,” Shaku said.
