Insecurity in Benue State continues to cast a shadow over the region despite President Bola Tinubu's recent visit following the Yelwata massacre that claimed over 100 lives. The June 14 attack on the border community between Nasarawa and Benue States has once again highlighted the decade-long violence plaguing the state, with stakeholders presenting divergent views on the root causes and potential solutions.
A Decade of Violence
The security crisis in Benue has persisted for over a decade, with attacks by suspected armed herders dating back to 2013. Rural communities across Guma, Agatu, Logo, and Makurdi local government areas have repeatedly suffered assaults resulting in thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and destruction of farmland.
Between late February and March 2016, suspected herdsmen killed between 300-500 people in Agatu LGA alone, displacing over 7,000 residents. In March 2018, another attack in Omusu village claimed 26 lives, including children. The June 7, 2021 Odugbeho Massacre saw at least 40 people killed in Agatu LGA.
The most recent Yelwata attack saw armed men invade the village at night, killing over 100 people and burning homes. Some victims were reportedly burnt alive, while others were shot as they attempted to flee, sparking widespread condemnation from civil society organizations, entertainers, politicians, and other stakeholders.
Conflicting Narratives
Comrade Daniel Onjeh, a former senatorial candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue South, rejected the characterization of the violence as farmer-herder clashes. In a statement, he described the Yelwata incident as "a well-coordinated attack by armed militias that should be treated as a national emergency."
Similarly, The Initiative For Social Rights Concerns and Advancement (ISRCA) stated that the crisis in Benue State is "a clear indication of terrorism and not clashes between two groups" as claimed by Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, who had identified land disputes and cattle rustling as key factors in the conflict.
Adding historical context, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, President of Ochetoha K'Idoma and respected historian, traced the violence to factors spanning nearly two centuries. According to him, "the seeds of the unrest were sown over 200 years ago and have been watered by decades of political failure, economic exploitation, and a chronic lack of trust among Nigeria's ruling elites."
Tor-Tiv's Bold Stance
During President Tinubu's visit, the paramount ruler of the Tiv people, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse (Tor Tiv), firmly rejected claims that the killings resulted from herder-farmer clashes.
"What we are dealing with here in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits, which has been going on for decades and is worsening every year," the Tor Tiv told President Tinubu.
He emphasized that "wrong diagnosis will always lead to wrong treatment," adding, "It's not learning to live with your neighbours; it is dealing with the war," as he called for decisive action to end the killings.
Federal Government's Response
The attacks prompted the relocation of Army personnel to Benue and a visit by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who promised to end the incessant killings. President Tinubu's visit on Wednesday resulted in several directives, including the establishment of a Committee of Elders for Benue State that must include all former governors and the current Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule.
The President urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to work with all stakeholders and "act as a father to everyone in the state, regardless of political or ethnic difference." He also ordered security chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to hunt down those responsible for the killings.
Former Governor Ortom's Perspective
Former Governor Samuel Ortom, speaking through his media aide Terver Akase, expressed deep sadness over the Yelwata attack. "We are all affected by what is happening," Akase said in an interview with BenriNews. "Whether you lost a family member or not, the pain is shared by all of us."
Akase explained that Ortom has avoided making loud public statements on the incident to prevent it from appearing political. "We don't want people to say Ortom is celebrating tragedy just to score political points. That is not the case. He feels the pain like everyone else," Akase stated.
Reflecting on Ortom's security efforts during his tenure, Akase highlighted the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law introduced in 2017, which banned open grazing and encouraged ranching as a modern method of livestock rearing. The law also established the Livestock Guards to enforce its provisions.
Governor Alia's Approach
Since taking office in May 2023, Governor Hyacinth Alia has implemented a technology-driven, multi-pronged approach to Benue's security challenges. His administration has signed a memorandum for deploying digital surveillance systems, emergency response tools, and an advanced command and control center at the Benue State Emergency Management Agency.
Governor Alia also launched the Benue State Civil Protection Guards in December 2024, fielding 5,000 personnel with plans to add another 5,000. Under Operation Anyam Nyor, he mobilized a multi-agency task force comprising military, paramilitary forces, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Civil Protection Guards, supported by 600 motorbikes and 100 Hilux trucks to enhance rapid response capabilities.
Is a Solution in Sight?
Opinions remain divided on whether President Tinubu's visit will significantly impact the security situation. While some view the presidential directives as a sign of federal commitment to restoring peace, others remain skeptical about their effectiveness in addressing the deep-rooted causes of the conflict.
The formation of an inclusive Committee of Elders and orders for security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend perpetrators offer some hope, but the success of these measures will depend on their implementation and the willingness of all stakeholders to work together toward lasting peace in Benue State.
As the state continues to grapple with this complex crisis, the divergent narratives from various stakeholders highlight the challenges in finding a unified approach to ending the violence that has plagued Benue for over a decade.
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