Nigerians are worried as the security situation in Benue State worsens, particularly with regards to the herders-farmers conflict, banditry, kidnapping, gangsterism, and cult violence.

It was gathered that since the administration of the immediate past governor, Samuel Ortom and the coming on board of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the state has been faced with a plethora of security challenges.

The state has experienced a significant decline in farming activities due to the activities of bandits and terrorists, who attacked farming communities, abducted, and killed several farmers and dislocated many communities.

At least fifty-six people have been confirmed dead in Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area and Logo Local Government Area, both in the Sankera axis of Benue state.

The state governor, Hyacinth Alia made the disclosure after confirming earlier that seventeen people were killed in the attack.

Also, the state police command in a statement, noted that while the Gbagir operation was ongoing, another group of militia simultaneously attacked the neighbouring Logo Local Government Area, killing scores of people.

It was reported that the governor had urged residents of the state facing attacks from suspected Fulani herdsmen not to resort to self-help.

“The prompt response in Ukum was made possible by early intelligence, which helped prevent an even more devastating outcome.

“The state government, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser, is developing a strategic plan to end the killings by suspected invaders. Remain vigilant and volunteer timely information to security agencies,” he said.

Unidentified gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have been launching attacks on the Otobi Akpa community in Benue State.

The recent one left at least 13 people dead, several others injured or missing, and over 50 houses destroyed.

The violence started around 6:00pm on the ill-fatted day near Otobi Junction when armed herdsmen launched an assault on the town, shooting sporadically.

“Otobi Akpa has historically been a peaceful part of Idoma land and had coexisted with herding communities for many years.

However, tensions have risen in recent times over open grazing and related security concerns,” a community elder, Adikwu Ogbe said.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Moses Ogbaji, had noted that the criminal activities of bandits before now had severely impacted food security in the state and the country, as many farmers were unable to return to their farms due to fear of attacks.

Nipping the ugly trend in the bud, the State government established the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, which is aimed at complementing the conventional security agencies and ensure the safety of communities and farmers,” Ogbaji said.

Lending his voice, the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation and chairman of the state traditional council, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv, supported the adoption of non-kinetic solutions to the crisis, including massive repatriation of displaced persons back to their homes.

According to him, the effort has aligned perfectly with the vision of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration of protecting the lives and property of all residents of Benue State.

the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Abba Moro, condemned in strong terms the attack on Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, describing it as an unprovoked and unacceptable act of violence.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo LGA. The unprovoked attack on them remains condemned,” the Senator stated.

“The attack and several others before it on Benue South communities by killer herdsmen are unacceptable,” he said.

He added that the people of Benue South have the right to live and do their business peacefully without fear, threats, or harm.

the lawmaker representing Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Angbo Kennedy, lamented the persistent bloodshed and called on security agencies to urgently intervene.

“It’s sad that innocent people are being slaughtered in their own homes. Our people cannot continue to live in fear in their ancestral homes.

“Residents should resort to self-defense since the needed help is not coming from the relevant authorities,” he opined.

Meanwhile, former Senate President, David Mark, has strongly condemned the recent wave of violent attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on several communities across Benue State.

Mark, who expressed deep concern over the spate of killings and destruction of property worth billions of naira in the affected areas, appealed for restraint and unity, warning against ethnic profiling or retaliatory violence.

A visibly distressed Senator Mark, however, acknowledged some progress by security operatives in addressing the crisis, stating:“It is heartwarming that some of the beasts involved in the dastardly acts have been apprehended by security agents.

“I urge all concerned to do a diligent investigation and ensure that all the people immediately and remotely involved should be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

“I also call on the youths in our various communities to ensure vigilance and report any suspicious behaviour of people and their movements to law enforcement agencies to prevent reoccurrence,” he concluded.