Panic in Benue communities as suspected armed herders move around farmlands

Fear has spread in several communities within Guma and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State after reports emerged that suspected armed herders were seen trekking through villages and farmlands, raising concerns of a possible security threat.

Residents of Nyiev Council Ward in Guma LGA and Mbavuur Council Ward in Logo LGA over the weekend urged security agencies and government officials to intervene quickly to prevent a deterioration of peace and order in the affected areas.

An anonymous resident in Guma LGA said armed men were observed around the Orogbo area in Nyiev Council Ward, adding that the development has unsettled locals.

“There is a group of armed herders roaming around the Orogbo area in the Nyiev Council Ward of Guma LGA.

It is difficult to explain to the public whether they are kidnappers or killers negotiating for yet another attack,” he said.

He also revealed that some women reportedly came across the armed group while carrying out their routine activities but were able to escape without harm.

“Some women ran into them yesterday and were fortunate to escape by the mercy of God,” he said, advising people in Mbayer/Yandev and Nyiev Council Wards to stay alert.

The source further expressed worry that the situation became suspicious after noticing that the group was travelling without cattle.

“The group is moving gently without cattle. Natives are advised to be careful as they go about their daily activities. “Be warned,” he added.

In another development, a resident of Tse Agee/Orkigh community in Mbavuur Council Ward of Logo LGA claimed that suspected herders had entered farmlands in the area, destroying crops and threatening the means of livelihood of local farmers.

“As we speak right now, herdsmen are in my community, in my farmland in particular, eating my cassava,” the resident said.

“They are destroying yams in barns too. I have informed my traditional heads, and I am calling on the authorities to do something before a bad thing happens.”

The resident said the matter had been reported to community leaders but stressed that inaction could trigger unrest.

“I am raising concerns so that the authorities won’t claim ignorance. Please lend us a voice, my brother, before it becomes a bloodbath,” he pleaded.

He urged authorities to increase patrols and deploy security personnel to the area to prevent any potential attack and protect residents and property.

Attempts to get comment from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were not successful at the time of filing this report.