A recent surge in herdsmen attacks in Turan, Kwande local government area of Benue state has left communities in the area reeling, with over 79 people killed and many more displaced since May 2024.
The latest attack on Christmas Day resulted in the loss of 18 lives, with several others injured.
The attacks have also been marked by gruesome incidents, including the killing of a seven-year-old boy’s father, Terhemba Tyohemba, and the severing of the boy’s hand by the herdsmen.
Dr. Joseph Hembafan Akanyi, President of Nyiev Ya Development Association, who spoke when Benue state government delegation accompanied by security heads were in the attacked communities in Kwande to assess the damage, condemned the attacks, emphasising the need for enhanced security measures.
He said their communities have suffered serious attacks for the past 15 years leading to lost of many lives and destruction of property worth hundreds of millions.
He named the communities affected to include Imande Avur, Join Water, Imande Ukusu, Anyoko, Imande Dura, Anyiase, Anwase, Iyoon, Ugbe among others.
He said between May and December 2024, more than 79 people have been killed in the area.
He said the attacks by the herdsmen on the innocent residents were carried without provocation.
“We are soliciting for a security post at Imande Dura to cover that axis. We also solicit for security at Anwase that will protect people from Nyiev Ya,” he urged.
His Royal Highness Chief Timothy Ahire attributed the attacks to poor response to intelligence reports.
“We had information about the planned attack and passed it to the security, but they didn’t respond,” he lamented.
He called on the federal government to construct roads leading to affected communities for easy access.
“Additionally, there is a pressing need for a security station at Imande Avul, where bandits and criminals from Cameroon often infiltrate to attack local residents,” he added.
The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, acompanied by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and that of Sports who led the government delegation to the attacked communities, weekend, expressed worry over the devastating impact of herdsmen attacks on the community saying the situation is dire, with helpless residents being targeted by bandits, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.
He commended Governor Rev. Fr. Hycinth Alia for his proactive response with the deployment of high-ranking security personnel, including the commander of OPWS, the police commissioner, and the director of DSS.
He said the move will assist to provide firsthand information on the attacks and facilitate intervention.
The SEMA boss said additionally, the governor through his office has dispatched trucks of foodstuff to support those affected by the attacks.
“The Benue State government my office SEMA is working to provide immediate intervention, including assessing the damage and replacing vehicles destroyed by the bandits.
“I am here with security heads and two commissioners the governor has sent along with me, and when the report is given to him, he will also decide on providing a burial for those killed in the attacks,” he said.
In response to the crisis, Police Commissioner Yabanet revealed that the federal government has already approved the establishment of a border patrol in Kwande.
He however, noted that logistical and other things like accommodation challenges are currently hindering the initiative.
Army Chief Maj. Gen. A. Rabiu of OPWS pledged to deploy one Hilux vehicle and 10 motorcycles to combat insecurity in the area.
“With our presence here, this kind of attack will never happen in Kwande again,” he assured.
