Mohamed Garba
A wave of violence has swept through Benue State, leaving at least 20 people dead and many more displaced. Suspected armed attackers have overrun five communities in the Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area, including Moon, Mbaikyor, Mbadura, Kumakwagh, and Yaav.The attacks, which began on December 25 last year, have intensified in recent days, with reports indicating that the assailants have taken control of key areas, including farmlands. This has made it impossible for residents to cultivate crops, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Residents have fled their ancestral homes in droves, seeking refuge in nearby towns. However, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) food supply has been grossly inadequate, leaving many displaced persons on the brink of starvation.The situation has been further complicated by the fact that many children have been forced out of school, their educational careers disrupted due to the violence. Social activities have also come to a grinding halt, with businesses shutting down.
According to Daniel Akaaimbwase, a local resident, “Over 80% of Turan Land has been taken over, leaving people completely displaced, with houses razed and farm products destroyed by the attackers.
The politician linked the ongoing killings in the state to the inability of the Alia administration to implement the Anti-Open Grazing Law enacted by the government of Chief Samuel Ortom.
Benue State has witnessed numerous incidents of violence in recent years, resulting in significant loss of life and property. The government has yet to issue a comprehensive response to the latest attacks.
