Benue State, renowned as Nigeria’s food basket, is currently mired in a dire situation as heavily armed herdsmen unleash a wave of violence, claiming over 500 lives in the past three months across Agatu, Otukpo, and Apa local government areas. Residents of more than 200 villages are now living in constant fear, facing daily assaults by herdsmen reportedly dressed in military camouflage. The toll is staggering, with reports indicating the loss of lives within three local government areas in Benue South Senatorial District.
Unrelenting Attacks on Villages: Agatu, Otukpo, and Apa LGAs are bearing the brunt, with marauders butchering locals, burning homes, and leaving numerous residents missing.
Elusive Perpetrators and Grim Realities: The identity of the attackers remains elusive, although locals point fingers at ‘Fulani herdsmen.’ Recent bloodshed in Agatu, once a haven of peace, has spilled into neighboring communities, exacerbating the crisis. Idoma youths attempting to defend their ancestral homes face a formidable adversary armed with sophisticated weapons. The lack of security personnel exacerbates the situation, with villagers bemoaning the scarcity of support. A local vigilante recounted a harrowing encounter, revealing that security personnel warned against retaliation rather than providing protection.
Desperate Pleas for Help: In a video circulating widely, a volunteer on the battlefield urged the government and Idoma leaders for assistance, stating that the attackers seemed determined to erase the Idoma community from Nigeria’s map. The military, too, suffered losses in a recent attack, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Operation Whirl Stroke lost three members in a coordinated assault by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Agatu.
Community Guards Left Helpless: Established in 2022 to enhance community security, the community volunteer guards find themselves grappling with helplessness. Members express dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of support and attention. Senator Abba Patrick Moro has called for urgent intervention, decrying the persistent attacks on Benue South communities.
Global Outcry and Idoma Association’s Plea: The Idoma Association USA strongly criticized both state and federal governments for their perceived inaction. The association’s president called for immediate government intervention to end the heartless attacks that have turned Idoma land into a killing field.
OPWS Force Commander’s Assurance: While responding to claims of inadequate security presence, OPWS Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, assured that an operation is underway to track the marauders, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring the security of lives and properties in the Force Joint Operations Area.