By LEVI JOHNSON
Former Ortom Aide Raises Alarming Claims on Benue Community Attack
Former Principal Special Assistant to ex–Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, Franc Utoo, has given a disturbing account of a violent raid on his Yelwata community, alleging that three of the terrorists killed during the attack were serving Nigerian Army officers. His revelation, delivered during an interview with Atlanta Discuss Channel, has reopened conversations about infiltration, collusion, and the rising complexity of insecurity in Nigeria.
Utoo recounted the 2022 invasion of Yelwata, a border community along the Benue–Nasarawa axis known for repeated clashes with armed groups. He explained that the assault occurred unexpectedly, but the community received swift support from a military team stationed nearby. According to him, the detachment was led by Staff Sergeant Kingsley, a soldier he described as courageous and deeply committed to defending civilians.
How the Attack on Yelwata Unfolded
Utoo narrated that the terrorists stormed the community in large numbers, shooting sporadically and targeting locals. Yet, instead of fleeing, the youths of Yelwata mobilised quickly and joined forces with the soldiers on ground. Their combined response, he said, led to a fierce confrontation that lasted several hours.
During the battle, 13 terrorists were reportedly neutralised. However, what followed shocked the entire community. Utoo said that as the bodies were searched for identification, the unexpected happened—three of the dead attackers were discovered with military identification cards.
He insisted that their ID cards showed they were serving members of the Nigerian Army, raising alarming questions about why they were fighting alongside terrorists against innocent civilians.
“Their ID Cards Were in Their Pockets” — Utoo
Recounting the moment the discovery was made, Utoo explained that many villagers initially doubted what they were seeing. But the identification materials were clear. He said the community did not take laws into its own hands; instead, they handed the recovered ID cards to higher military authorities for proper investigation.
“When these guys came to attack our community, this soldier—Kingsley—stood with our youths to repel them,” he said.
“On that day, they killed 13 of the terrorists. And do you know that out of the 13 killed, three were serving army officers with their ID cards in their pockets.”
Utoo added that the identification documents were promptly submitted to the 72 Special Forces Battalion in Makurdi, the unit responsible for operations in that corridor. He noted that community leaders expected that the discovery would trigger a thorough internal investigation, given its grave implications.
Calls for Transparency in Military Operations
Security analysts have long warned about the infiltration of the armed forces by rogue elements. Though the military often dismisses allegations of collusion, past arrests, court-martials, and internal probes confirm that the institution has, at times, struggled with internal compromise.
Utoo’s fresh claims now raise more urgent concerns about the Benue community attack by terrorists, especially as the region continues to experience targeted assaults on farming settlements. He stressed that communities feel increasingly vulnerable when attackers appear to possess insider expertise, weapons training, or logistical knowledge.
The former aide noted that Yelwata has suffered repeated attacks over the years, and many residents believe that only a transparent, high-level security overhaul can restore lasting peace.
Growing Demands for Answers
While Utoo did not provide additional updates on the army’s response to the ID cards submitted in 2022, his testimony has renewed demands for clarity. Civil groups in Benue have repeatedly urged authorities to disclose findings of internal investigations into suspected military collaboration with criminal groups.
Residents say that acknowledging the truth—whatever it is—will help rebuild public trust and strengthen ongoing counterterrorism operations across the state.
As the nation grapples with escalating violence, allegations like these underscore the need for stronger oversight, improved intelligence gathering, and improved accountability within the country’s security architecture.
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