Communities in Benue State are feeling uneasy as attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen intensify with the onset of the farming season.
A recent investigation by NewsNow uncovered that armed herdsmen militia have been responsible for the deaths of at least 28 individuals, including six security personnel from the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards, in a series of attacks on three communities in Gwer West Local Government Area.
These attacks occurred shortly after a mass burial for 17 victims of previous herdsmen attacks in Mbaikyor Mbalom Gwer East LGA.
Confirming the incident, Gwer West LGA Chairman, Mr Henry Agba, mentioned that in addition to the deaths, several others were injured during the attacks.
According to him, the attacks spanned multiple days, resulting in significant casualties and displacement of residents.
Similar attacks were reported in Apa Local Government Area, where the destruction and loss of lives further compounded the already dire situation in the region.
In another unfortunate event, it was reported that bandits targeted nine communities in Apa LGA, with conflicting casualty figures between locals and government officials.
Additionally, in Ukum Local Government Area, the Gbagir community faced a devastating invasion by armed Fulani militia, leading to the feared deaths of over 50 individuals.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with one individual losing four family members in a single attack.
Fresh attacks on Ogboju community in Agatu Local Government Area and Onipi community of Adoka in Otukpo LGA resulted in more deaths and missing persons, bringing more grief to the already beleaguered population.
Local sources pointed out that these attacks were unprovoked, targeting innocent farmers and displacing entire communities.
Efforts to contain the situation have led to deployments of security personnel in the affected areas to protect the vulnerable residents and ensure their safety.
Local farmers expressed despair over the inability to access their farms due to the constant threat of violence from the armed herdsmen.
Their livelihoods are at stake as the farming season progresses, and urgent intervention is needed to restore peace and security in the region.