Benue under siege as herdsmen kill 147 persons

Chief Iorbee Ihagh, Chairman of Benue ethnic leaders and President General of Mzough U Tiv (MUT) worldwide, has revealed that more than 147 persons have fallen victim to attacks by herdsmen militia in Benue State over the past two months.

In a statement released to the press in Makurdi on Thursday, Chief Ihagh decried the relentless assaults on innocent farmers by armed herders, highlighting the devastating impact on the agrarian community, which forms a vital part of the state and country’s food production.

“The surge in the killings at a time when the nation is battling with the issue of food insecurity is worrisome and needs to be tackled with all sincerity and force,” Chief Ihagh emphasized.

“We believe that the era of handling issues of insecurity with kid gloves is over. Also, the surge in the rate of attacks and kidnappings in the North West and North East is an indication that now, more than ever before, the military should step up its act by pushing these criminal elements Northwards and finally out of the country to where they belong,” Ihagh stated.

He cited instances of collaboration between armed bandits and local militia groups, pointing to a recent case in Ukum Local Government Area where lives were tragically lost.

Chief Ihagh appealed to President Bola Tinubu, expressing confidence in his intervention to put an end to the relentless bloodshed in Benue State.

Providing a breakdown of the casualties across the state’s three Senatorial zones, Chief Ihagh underscored the urgent need for bolstered efforts by security agencies, particularly Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), to safeguard vulnerable communities and enable farmers to return to their fields without fear.

While commending Governor Hyacinth Alia’s leadership and commitment to enforcing anti-grazing laws, Chief Ihagh called for unified action by the state governments of Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba to empower security forces and quell the violence.

“Therefore, the MUT calls on the three State Governments, that is the Government of Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, to empower Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), the military spike operation in the three states to deliver on their mandate,” he urged.

Chief Ihagh expressed solidarity with Governor Alia and pledged support for his efforts to restore peace and security in Benue State.