By Edem Ekpo Calabar
Senator representing Cross River North, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has condemned in the strongest terms the gruesome killing of a commercial driver, Agage Ternenge, from Tsar community in Benue State, who was brutally murdered in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The victim, a native of Mbanyam in Mbatyough Council Ward, Vandeikya LGA, was reportedly attacked by a mob while on a routine delivery errand in Obudu on July 18, 2025. A disturbing video of the assault, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the deceased being stoned and macheted to death in broad daylight.
While initial concerns pointed to simmering communal tensions between Vandeikya and parts of Obudu over longstanding land disputes, Senator Jarigbe emphasized that the slain man was an innocent civilian with no links to the conflict.
“This is a barbaric, senseless, and wholly unacceptable act. The young man was going about his lawful business. His murder is unjustifiable and must be met with the full wrath of the law,” Jarigbe stated in a press release on Tuesday.
The Senator called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately launch a full-scale investigation and apprehend all those involved in the killing. He further urged the deployment of additional security personnel to prevent reprisal attacks and escalation of violence.
In response, the Cross River State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the prime suspect, identified as Adeshina Gilbert, a 35-year-old man from Abonkib, Obudu Urban.
According to the State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, the arrest followed a directive to the Divisional Police Officer of Obudu Division to carry out a swift operation after the incident.
“This heinous act is a gross violation of human rights and the dignity of life. The suspect is currently in custody, and the manhunt for other accomplices is ongoing,” said SP Irene Ugbo, the Police Public Relations Officer.
CP Afegbua extended condolences to the victim’s family and appealed to the public to remain calm and law-abiding as investigations continue.
Senator Jarigbe also urged security agencies to engage traditional and community leaders from both Obudu and Tsar to foster dialogue and de-escalate tensions, warning that retaliatory attacks would only deepen the crisis.
“Our people from Cross River North and Benue State have lived together peacefully for generations, intermarrying, trading, and coexisting in harmony. We must not allow the actions of a few criminals to destroy that history,” he said.
He reassured the Tsar community and the bereaved family of his full commitment to justice and lasting peace in the region.
“I stand with the people of Tsar in this moment of grief. Justice will not be delayed or denied. I will continue to work with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure peace is restored,” Jarigbe added.
The killing has reignited fears of renewed communal hostilities in the region, where age-long boundary disputes have led to intermittent violence and loss of lives in the past. Security has since been tightened in Obudu and surrounding communities, with heightened surveillance at known flashpoints.