Fear grips Benue residents over assassination of prominent figures

A shroud of fear has descended upon the residents of Benue State as the frequency of assassinations within the state continues to grow, leaving the community shaken and on edge.

For years, the state has grappled with pervasive insecurity, which has exacted a heavy toll in terms of lives lost and displacement of countless citizens.

Disturbingly, recent developments have exacerbated these anxieties, as high-profile personalities fall victim to targeted assassinations.

A closer look by IDOMA VOICE reveals that the number of internally displaced individuals in the state has surged to over 2 million, with these unfortunate victims seeking refuge in various IDP camps scattered throughout the state.

It is the recent string of assassinations, however, that has sent shockwaves through the populace.

In the span of just six days, gunmen have left behind a trail of tragedy, further eroding the sense of safety for Benue’s residents.

Among the prominent figures who have tragically met their demise was Jarule Likita, a commander within the Livestock Guards. This specialized unit was instituted by the government to enforce the State Anti-open Grazing Law, making Likita’s murder all the more perplexing and distressing.

The news of Justice Margaret Igbetar’s murder, a former President of the Customary Court of Appeal, resonated across the entire state, cementing the atmosphere of unease. This wave of targeted assassinations has left the community grappling with uncertainty and a pervasive fear of the unknown.

Previously, much of the violence was confined to rural areas and often attributed to clashes involving Fulani herdsmen. However, the recent wave of killings has struck urban areas, raising perplexing questions about the changing nature of the violence and its perpetrators.

Residents of Benue State, expressed their profound concern over the alarming trend of assassinations targeting prominent figures.

They called upon Governor Hyacinth Alia and other relevant security agencies to take swift and effective action in addressing this unsettling situation during separate interviews with IDOMA VOICE.
Ewaoche Odeh: “The recent spate of high-profile assassinations has left us all in a state of shock and fear. It’s distressing to witness such violence unfold in our own communities, and we’re left wondering about the safety of our loved ones and ourselves.”

Sunday Okebe: “Assassinations within such a short span of time have created a sense of dread that’s hard to shake. We used to think of these incidents as isolated, but now it’s clear that something more insidious is happening. Our sense of security has been deeply shaken.”

Shija Biem: “It’s alarming to see the violence creeping into urban areas, where we’re accustomed to feeling safe. The audacity of these attacks is unsettling, and it’s like we’re constantly looking over our shoulders, uncertain of what’s coming next.”

Usha Uhie: “The fear is real, and it’s affecting our daily lives. Going about our routines has become a challenge, knowing that danger could be lurking around any corner. We need immediate action to put an end to this cycle of violence.”

Aja Chris: “The recent assassinations have shattered our sense of community. We used to be united in our shared spaces, but now we’re afraid to even gather, uncertain of who might be targeted next. Our leaders must step up to address this crisis.”

Ngbede Joel: “We can’t afford to live in constant fear. The state of security in Benue is a pressing concern, and we’re looking to our governor and law enforcement agencies for swift and effective measures to restore safety and peace to our lives.”