Herdsmen Attacks Escalate: Benue IDPs Struggle Amidst Humanitarian Crisis

Benue State is grappling with a deepening humanitarian crisis as marauding herdsmen intensify attacks on agrarian communities, leaving Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps stretched beyond capacity.

Daily Post correspondent, who visited these camps over the weekend, reports that IDPs are facing severe challenges, with starvation becoming a dire reality for many.

In the recent wave of attacks, communities like Wandor and Mbaikyor in the Mbalom Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area witnessed devastating violence, resulting in the displacement of thousands and the loss of lives and property.

Apa, Kwande, and Guma Local Government Areas also fell victim to relentless attacks, with casualties reported and scores injured. The herders, armed and accompanied by thousands of cattle, targeted various communities, leaving destruction in their wake.

The National Chairman of Apa Development Association, Mr. Eche Akpoko, confirmed the attacks and highlighted the urgency of the situation. Several communities, including Ijaha-Ibele, Ochumekwu, Adija, Kano, and Ijaha in Apa LGA, were subjected to the brutal onslaught.

Additionally, Agatu and Otukpo Local Government Areas faced similar attacks, with reports of armed men in military uniforms assaulting the residents of Iwili community in Entekpa Ward. The Adoka traditional ruler, Och’Adoka Alegwu Samuel Onuh, expressed dismay over the unprovoked attack on his peace-loving community.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Alfred Omakwu, confirmed the tragic incident, reporting the recovery of seven bodies by Tuesday afternoon. Military personnel have been deployed to aid in the search and provide support to affected communities.

Addressing concerns about the alleged abandonment of affected areas by the police, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, emphasized the ongoing efforts to manage the situation.

Internally Displaced Persons in temporary camps, such as Wesley Central School in Adoka, shared their grievances, highlighting the impact on their livelihoods, education, and overall well-being. They appealed for swift intervention from the government and stakeholders to bring an end to the escalating farmers/herders conflict in their communities.

Adoka IDPs manager and youth leader, Adventure Ngbede Ofoine, pleaded for urgent assistance, citing critical shortages in food, water, health, accommodation, and local security for the displaced population.

The displaced persons, echoing their collective desire, expressed the urgent need to return to their ancestral homes and resume normal activities, emphasizing the imperative of government and societal intervention to alleviate their hardships.