By Karen James
Uzer Community, Benue State – Outrage has erupted in the Uzer community of Tombo ward, Logo Local Government Area, after suspected Fulani herdsmen launched a deadly attack on Thursday night, leaving six farmers dead and displacing scores of residents.
The attack, which spilled into Friday, caused widespread panic as many fled their homes for fear of further violence. Chief Joseph Anawa, a resident of the area, confirmed the attack and expressed concerns about more impending strikes. “They are planning to launch more deadly attacks. They hold secret meetings to attack us and even inform us beforehand,” he said.
Chief Anawa accused the state government of failing to take adequate measures to address the persistent killings, noting that the attackers often cross into Benue from neighboring Nasarawa State, carry out their assaults, and retreat unchallenged.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the villagers were relaxing outside their homes when gunmen, under the cover of darkness, opened fire, killing six individuals on the spot. While no property destruction was reported, the trauma has left the farming community of Tombo ward, which includes Mbakorya, Mbaya, Mbazaar, and Iwendyer kindreds, deserted. Residents have been living in fear of attacks for over two decades.
Local leaders and youth groups are calling for decisive action. Mr. Jacob Ukpi, a youth leader from Kwande local government area, decried the unending violence. He claimed that over 120 people had been killed in the region since the current administration began, with women, children, and farmers being the main victims.
“The government has failed to honor its promises of resettling displaced people and ensuring security,” Ukpi stated, adding that fertile lands are being usurped by attackers. He also highlighted the destruction of 18 primary schools and six churches in Moon ward.
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has faced criticism despite launching a 5,000-strong security outfit, the State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG), codenamed “Anyam Nyor,” in December 2024. While the initiative was intended to enhance security and rebuild communities, attacks have continued unabated.
In an effort to address the crisis, Governor Alia recently launched a five-year action plan to facilitate the safe return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes. The program, which targets over 500,000 IDPs, includes forming 210 farmers’ cooperatives and providing training in agricultural practices to aid displaced persons.
However, residents remain skeptical, with many insisting that immediate and decisive action is needed to prevent further loss of lives and restore peace to the troubled region.
