Date: April 22, 2025
By: Peter Duru, Makurdi
A fresh wave of violence has struck Benue State as 11 people were reportedly killed during an early morning attack on Afia community in Ukum Local Government Area by suspected armed herdsmen.
During a security stakeholders’ meeting held at the Benue Government House in Makurdi, the traditional ruler of Ukum, His Royal Highness Iyorkaa Kaave, confirmed the assault and the recovery of 11 bodies, noting that search operations are ongoing.
“The attackers came in the early hours, and we’ve already recovered 11 corpses. These are not the peaceful herders we once knew,” he lamented.
National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was on a visit to the state, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, assuring residents that the federal government remains committed to restoring peace.
“We will defeat this evil. Benue is important to Nigeria. President Tinubu inherited a very bad security situation, but we are making progress and will continue to do so,” Ribadu stated, urging citizens to avoid politicizing the crisis.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, also present at the meeting, painted a grim picture of the ongoing situation. According to him, the state has been under continuous attack since 2011, with 72 lives lost in recent attacks alone. He revealed that Benue currently hosts 17 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and struggles to return people to their ancestral lands.
“We are witnessing bare-faced terrorism. These attackers speak Fulani and Hausa and aim to displace and occupy our communities,” the governor said. He stressed the need for urgent federal intervention and disclosed the state’s efforts, including the procurement of 100 Hilux vehicles and 600 motorcycles, to support security agencies.
Meanwhile, in a proactive move, the Tor Tiv VI, HRM James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, HRM Dr. John Odogbo, convened separate emergency meetings involving key stakeholders from the Tiv and Idoma communities. While specific outcomes of the meetings were not disclosed, both royal fathers expressed hope that the solidarity and commitment shown would pave the way for actionable solutions.
These renewed attacks continue to raise concerns about the fragile security situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, with residents calling for swift and decisive action from all levels of government.
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