The recent attacks in Benue State, which left at least 15 people dead, have sparked outrage and concern across Nigeria, with many leaders calling for immediate action to address the growing violence. Former Senate President, David Mark, has strongly condemned the killings in Otukpo and Ado local councils on Tuesday night, describing them as premeditated and organized attacks, rather than random acts of violence.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Paul Mumeh, Mark lamented that the persistent violence in the state had reached alarming proportions. He said, “This is no longer a random occurrence. It appears to be an organized and premeditated onslaught. We cannot continue to sit back and watch our people being slaughtered for no reason.” He called on security agencies to urgently take action to protect the people of Benue from further harm.
On Tuesday night, the residents of Otukpo and Ado local councils in Benue were once again caught in the throes of violence. According to reports, at least 15 people were killed, several others injured, and homes were burned down. The attacks have been described as brutal and indiscriminate, with the perpetrators targeting both men and women, young and old. The attackers reportedly came without warning, striking at night when the villagers were least prepared to defend themselves.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, also expressed grave concern over the attack on Otobi community in Otukpo Local Council. In an interview with AIT, Governor Alia confirmed that 11 people had been killed in the attack, with several others injured. He accused the attackers of engaging in what he called “land grabbing” disguised as random violence. Alia pointed out that the violence was more than just an attack on innocent civilians; it was a strategic move by the attackers to take over land and displace the residents.
“These people come, kill anyone in sight regardless of ethnicity, drive everyone out, and after a few weeks, they return in full force for occupation,” the governor said. His comments point to the growing suspicion among local communities that the attacks are not merely random but part of a larger, coordinated effort to seize land and resources.
David Mark’s condemnation of the attacks was not only directed at the security forces but also at the people of Benue. Mark emphasized the importance of self-defense in the face of such organized violence, urging communities to form vigilance groups to protect themselves. He said, “The security situation in parts of Benue requires immediate and serious attention. We must also empower ourselves by forming local groups to safeguard our communities.”
The former Senate President also urged Benue residents to remain vigilant, noting that they must be able to distinguish between legitimate residents and potential invaders. “We must be cautious and aware of who belongs in our communities and who does not,” Mark said. His statement came after reports of strange individuals, possibly attackers, being seen in the region without clear identification.
In addition to the attacks in Otukpo and Ado, another troubling development has emerged in the Ukum Local Council, particularly around the Zaki Biam Yam Market. Armed Fulani herdsmen militias were reported to have been seen in the area, arriving with large numbers of cattle and armed with AK-47 rifles.
Local residents were alarmed by the presence of these militants, who were said to have been roaming freely in broad daylight, carrying weapons and intimidating the locals. A resident of Chito, a town in Ukum Local Council, shared their fear with The Guardian, saying, “There are more militant herdsmen in my hometown, Chito in Ukum Local Council, with AK-47 rifles. They were forcing themselves into people’s houses and displacing them, not minding if they had any place to go. It has been 72 hours of terror, and no single word from any security agency.”
This situation has left the local population in a state of fear and confusion, as they are unable to understand why such armed groups are allowed to roam freely without any apparent response from security forces. The locals have expressed frustration with the lack of protection and response from authorities, particularly as the violence continues to escalate in various parts of the state.
The attacks in Benue are not isolated incidents. For years, the state has been plagued by violence, with various armed groups, including Fulani herdsmen, carrying out attacks on farming communities. These groups have been accused of not only killing civilians but also burning homes, destroying farmlands, and forcing entire communities to flee their homes. The violence has been largely linked to long-standing disputes over land, grazing rights, and the encroachment of herders on farming communities.
The attacks have caused widespread displacement, with many residents forced to seek refuge in nearby towns and cities, including the state capital, Makurdi. Thousands of people have been displaced by the violence, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and fear for their safety. Despite repeated calls from local leaders for better security measures, many in the state feel that the government has not done enough to curb the violence and protect the lives of its citizens.
The security challenges in Benue have raised questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies. Despite the presence of military and police forces in the state, attacks by armed groups continue with disturbing frequency. Local leaders, including David Mark, have repeatedly called for more decisive action from security agencies to protect the people of Benue.
In addition to the formation of vigilance groups, there is also a growing call for the government to provide more support to local security forces, such as the Nigeria Police and the Civil Defence Corps, to strengthen their capacity to respond to emergencies. Mark and other leaders have also called for improved intelligence gathering and better coordination between security agencies to prevent future attacks.
Amid the growing violence, there is also a call for unity and peace in Benue. Leaders like Governor Alia and David Mark have urged the people of the state to remain calm and not take matters into their own hands. They have stressed the importance of working together to address the root causes of the violence and to promote peaceful coexistence between different groups in the state.
The situation in Benue is a tragic reminder of the challenges facing many communities in Nigeria, where insecurity and violence continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of innocent people. While the government and security agencies are urged to take action, the people of Benue also bear the responsibility of working together to create a safer and more secure environment for everyone.
