Tragedy in Benue: Gunmen Assassinate Traditional Ruler Zaki Stephen Kegher During Land Dispute Meeting
In a deeply disturbing and tragic development that has shocked the people of Benue State and the nation at large, unknown gunmen have brutally killed Zaki Stephen Kegher, a highly respected traditional ruler of Mbainiange in Mbayongo District, located in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. The horrific incident occurred on the night of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, around 9:00 p.m., while a crucial land dispute meeting was ongoing at the ruler’s residence.
This targeted attack, which appears to have been premeditated, has not only thrown the Mbayongo community into mourning but has also raised serious concerns about the growing insecurity in Benue State and Nigeria as a whole. In this SEO-optimized long-form article, NaijaRush unpacks the full details of what happened, who Zaki Kegher was, the possible motives behind the killing, and the current security situation in the area.
Who Was Zaki Stephen Kegher?
Zaki Stephen Kegher, aged 62, was the traditional ruler of the Mbainiange community and served as the kindred head of the Odbaniange community in Mbayongo. He was widely regarded as a custodian of peace and tradition, and had played key roles in mediating land and communal disputes in the district.
As a traditional ruler, Kegher held significant moral authority in his domain. He was known to be deeply committed to preserving the customs of his people while encouraging peaceful coexistence. Sources in the community describe him as “a father to all” and “a voice of reason,” particularly during conflicts over land boundaries and communal ownership.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
According to eyewitness accounts and local reports, the incident happened at around 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday while a land-related meeting was taking place at Zaki Kegher’s residence. The purpose of the meeting was to resolve a longstanding land dispute involving several families in the community.
Suddenly, heavily armed gunmen stormed the area, creating panic among the participants. In a calculated and direct move, the attackers made their way to where Zaki Kegher was seated and shot him at close range. He died on the spot before help could arrive. Other members present at the meeting managed to escape the scene, some sustaining minor injuries in the process.
Security agencies and emergency responders were alerted immediately, but by the time they arrived at the scene, the attackers had already fled into the dense forests surrounding the community.
Who Is Behind the Attack?
While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the assassination, early investigations and intelligence reports suggest a dangerous connection to a notorious bandit leader operating in the region.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed that “preliminary intelligence suggests the attackers may be loyalists of a known bandit leader identified as Konyo.” This claim, though still under investigation, is drawing increasing attention from security forces and the public.
Konyo is believed to head a violent network of armed bandits and militia members who have carried out various attacks across Benue, Taraba, and parts of Nasarawa states. His group has been accused of orchestrating raids on villages, engaging in land grabbing, and targeting community leaders who oppose their interests.
The motive behind Zaki Kegher’s assassination may be linked to his firm stance against land encroachment and criminal infiltration of rural areas. As a vocal advocate for his people, the late traditional ruler had reportedly resisted several attempts by criminal groups to seize parts of communal land under the guise of traditional claims.
Current State of Security in the Area
Following the assassination, security personnel were immediately deployed to Mbainiange and the broader Mbayongo area. However, the attackers had already escaped into the surrounding bush paths and forests, taking advantage of the terrain’s difficult geography.
According to police sources, combined security teams made up of the Nigerian Army, Mobile Police units, and vigilante groups are now “combing the surrounding bushes in an effort to track, engage, and apprehend the fleeing suspects.”
Local residents have been urged to remain calm and report any suspicious movement in their communities. Surveillance operations are currently ongoing, with drones and tracking dogs reportedly deployed to boost the search efforts.
Rising Insecurity in Benue State
The killing of Zaki Kegher is just the latest in a disturbing pattern of violence that has plagued Benue State for years. The region has seen a steady rise in communal clashes, herder-farmer conflicts, and targeted killings by armed groups.
Katsina-Ala LGA, where the murder took place, has been identified as one of the hotspots of banditry and rural violence. Despite numerous military operations and peace initiatives by the state and federal governments, violent attacks persist, leaving communities vulnerable and under constant threat.
According to residents, the security presence in rural areas is weak, and traditional rulers who stand up to criminals often become targets.
Community Reaction and Calls for Justice
The Mbainiange community has been thrown into deep mourning following the shocking murder of their beloved leader. Candlelight vigils have already begun, with hundreds of people gathering to pay their respects and demand justice.
Community elder, Chief Terver Uhemba, described the killing as “an attack on our heritage and a deliberate attempt to silence truth.” He added, “Zaki Kegher was a man of peace. He had no enemies except those who want to destroy our land. We will not be silent until justice is served.”
Local youth groups have also held peaceful protests, urging the Benue State Government and the Nigerian Police Force to do more to protect traditional leaders and restore peace to the area.
Government and Stakeholder Response
As of the time of this report, the Benue State Government has yet to release an official statement, but sources confirm that top security officials have briefed the governor on the matter. Civil society groups and human rights organizations are calling for a full-scale investigation into the killing.
Security expert, Mr. John Ityough, noted that “this is not just a security failure but a test of the state’s capacity to protect its moral leaders. When our traditional institutions are under attack, the entire fabric of our society is at risk.”
There are now increasing calls for the establishment of more community-based security initiatives, such as vigilante corps and intelligence networks, to complement state efforts and enhance surveillance in rural areas.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action
The assassination of Zaki Stephen Kegher has not only robbed Benue of a respected leader but also exposed the dangerous vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s rural security systems. While efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators, the larger question remains—how many more traditional rulers, elders, and community leaders must die before concrete actions are taken?
Land disputes, criminal infiltration, and impunity have become deadly combinations in many parts of Benue. It is time for the federal and state governments to step up, enforce the rule of law, and protect traditional institutions that form the backbone of rural governance.
As the investigation continues and search operations intensify, the people of Mbainiange and Benue State deserve answers—and above all, justice for Zaki Stephen Kegher.
