A suspected armed herder and killer in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State has been arrested and will stand trial after being identified by a victim.
The suspect, simply identified as Bagudu, was arrested by troops after the victim, Madam Ikpanya, reportedly recognised him and alerted community leaders, prompting a search that led to his capture in a hideout.
Bagudu, a cattle herder said to be familiar to residents of communities around the area, has allegedly been linked to several attacks and killings.
Ikpanya said the assailant attacked her and the motorcycle rider conveying her, killing the rider with a machete while inflicting several cuts on her.
She survived the attack after being rushed to hospital by good Samaritans, where she spent several days receiving treatment before recovering.
The traditional ruler of Naka, Gwer West, Chief Daniel Abomtse, and the President-General of the Tyoshin Community Development Association, TCDA, Tiza Tarnongo, welcomed the arrest.
The community leaders expressed hope that the suspect would face prosecution, while recounting the attacks and other atrocities allegedly suffered by residents of the area.
Bagudu has been handed over to the police for prosecution. He is expected to be arraigned before the Benue State High Court on Wednesday after the conclusion of police investigations.