According To SEMA, More than 50 Communities In Benue Have Been Displaced By Armed Fulani Herdsmen

Armed Fulani herdsmen have caused displacement in approximately 50 communities, spanning 25 council wards within five local government areas (LGAs) in Benue State.

According to the latest data from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the most severely impacted region is Gwer West Local Government Area, with all 15 council wards experiencing some level of impact.

Several wards in Gwer West have been affected, specifically Sengev, Gbaange/Tongov, Saav, Mbapupuu/Tswarev, Mbabuande Kyaav, Mbapa, Tsambe/Mbesev, Sengev/Yengev, Merkyegh, Nyamshi, Tijime, Tyough Ater, and Njaha.

SEMA released the report only a few days prior to the most recent assaults in Ukum, Logo, Otukpo, and Gwer East LGAs.

As per the report titled ‘Displaced Communities in Benue State: Fulanis Settle with Cows’, the impacted areas consist of Guma, Gwer East, Gwer West, Kwande, and Makurdi local governments.

In Guma LGA, multiple communities across six council wards – Mbadwem, Nyiev, Mbaba, Uvir, and Mbayer/Yandev – have fallen under the control of roaming herders.

Similarly, in Gwer East, the community of Mbalom has also been forced to relocate due to insecurity, seeking refuge in more secure locations.

According to the report, in addition to one community in Bar council wards, at least two communities in Mbalagh have also been captured by the assailants. These areas are located in Makurdi, the state capital.

Moreover, there has been a loss of some communities in the Moon and Anwase council wards of Kwande LGA due to the activities of aggressive herders.

“As of now, these are the ones I am able to confirm,” stated Terna Ager, the SEMA information officer. “There are several others as well.”

The attacks have had a profound effect, as expressed by Iorbee Ihagh, a former Comptroller of Prisons and head of the three main socio-cultural organizations in Benue State.

Ihagh, a resident of Moon ward in Kwande LGA, shared that their community has been neglected for some time now due to continuous assaults. The attacks have resulted in the destruction of vital public facilities such as markets, healthcare centers, and schools.

Ihagh, also the President of Mdzou U Tiv Worldwide, reiterated his plea for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in response to the increasing security threats in the state.

Numerous individuals who have been forced to leave their residences are seeking shelter in 13 officially designated internally displaced persons (IDP) camps throughout the state, while some have found temporary lodging with family members.

A number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have resided in these camps for more than eight years, with minimal prospects of going back to their native territories.