Benue: Ongoing Killings and Kidnappings Spark Alarm in Nigeria’s Food Basket

Despite promises from the government and security agencies to end the prolonged violence, killings continue unabated in Benue State.

Reports show that 18 of the 23 local government areas in the state remain under constant threat from armed attackers, including bandits and herdsmen militias, who have launched deadly assaults on communities almost daily for years.

Thousands of innocent civilians, including children, have been killed, with women raped and countless others kidnapped for ransom. Many of these incidents, particularly in remote villages, go unreported.

In the past year alone, over 2,650 people have been killed in unprovoked attacks by non-state actors, according to Amnesty International Programme Director Barbara Magaji. More than 50 additional deaths have been reported in the last two months, forcing many to flee their homes and seek refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state.

Recent attacks include the July 4 assault on Ayati and Borikyo communities in Ukum LGA, where six people were killed, and the June 19 attack on Ikpele and Olegomachi villages in Agatu LGA, which left more than 15 dead. On July 19, gunmen killed 18 people and destroyed property in the Mbacher council ward of Katsina-Ala LGA.

On August 15, 20 students from the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos were abducted by gunmen in Benue while traveling to Enugu for a medical convention. They were rescued on August 23 after security operatives intervened, following the deployment of a tactical squad by the Inspector-General of Police.

Benue, once regarded as Nigeria’s food basket, has been severely impacted by insecurity. Over 50% of farming communities in Guma, Agatu, and Gwer-West LGAs have been displaced, leaving over 2.5 million people scattered across 14 IDP camps. This displacement has worsened Nigeria’s hunger crisis.

Additionally, insecurity has led to the destruction or closure of at least 55 schools, leaving hundreds of children out of school. Despite Governor Hyacinth Alia’s April pledge to address the insecurity and help IDPs return home, the situation has worsened, with some sources claiming the administration is overwhelmed and without a clear solution.

However, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Catherine Sewuese, reported on Saturday that the situation was improving, citing increased engagement between security forces and bandits in affected communities.