Fear grips Benue communities over influx of armed herdsmen

Fear has gripped communities in Tombo, Mbagber and Ukemberegya/Tswarev council wards of Logo Local Government Area of Benue State over a reported influx of armed herdsmen.

Residents have expressed serious concern over alleged incidents of violence, including attacks on farmers, the rape of women and the destruction of farmlands as cattle are grazed in rural communities.

Reports further indicate that another group of armed herders has reportedly crossed the River Benue through Shaoo, Basham and Akor (west of Anyibe settlement).

According to local sources, the group is believed to be positioning itself in the area, raising fears of possible attacks on Ayilamo, Anyiin and Iorza towns.

A resident of Ayilamo who is also a community leader in Logo LGA, Joseph Anawah, said, “There is an influx of herdsmen and their cows into several communities in Logo since January. The herders came with thousands of their cows; so, this has heightened tension in the council.”

A resident, Mark Iorundu, said most of the villages in the council had been taken over by herdsmen and their cows.

Another resident, Buga Audu, said the presence of the herdsmen and their cows was frightening, adding that some people had already started relocating to safer areas.

“With the movement of large herds of cattle in our community, we are afraid because it portends danger. We recall the incidents of the past years, especially how hundreds of people were murdered,” he added.

The residents called on security operatives to be alive to their responsibilities.

Given the gravity of these reports, there is an urgent need for the relevant security agencies and government authorities to investigate the situation, strengthen security in the affected communities, and take proactive measures to protect lives and property while preventing any further escalation.

The executive chairman of Logo LGA did not respond to repeated calls to his mobile phone seeking confirmation of the reported influx of armed herdsmen into the area.

Also, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.