Chaos in Mbasombo: Benue Lawmaker’s Cattle Linked to Alarming Farmland Invasion

Tensions are steadily mounting in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State as residents continue to report a troubling pattern of attacks and the widespread destruction of farmland by individuals believed to be Fulani herders.

In a recent and particularly alarming incident, a herder identified as Bala was apprehended by local farmers in the Mbasombo community. He was allegedly caught in the act of grazing his cattle on cultivated farmland and feeding the animals with already-harvested crops, causing significant loss to the farmers. Eyewitness accounts claim that the cattle belong to Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, a serving member of the National Assembly representing the Guma/Makurdi Federal Constituency.

Prior to this confrontation, a concerned local resident, Mr. Shiaôndo, had reportedly warned members of the community to remain vigilant. According to him, the cows responsible for the ongoing destruction were owned by the legislator, raising suspicions about the protection these herders might be receiving.

Following Bala’s arrest by the aggrieved farmers, reports indicate that Hon. Dickson Tarkighir personally intervened by placing a phone call to the farmers, pleading on behalf of his employee. The lawmaker allegedly justified Bala’s aggressive behavior during the confrontation by claiming that one of the farmers had drawn a cutlass, provoking fear and a defensive reaction.

This incident has further fueled outrage and frustration among local residents, particularly as it occurred just hours after another reported attack in the nearby Mbadombo community, also located in Gwer East. In that case, suspected Fulani herdsmen were said to have launched a violent assault, intensifying the atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the region.

As anxiety grows, community members are once again urging state authorities to enforce the anti-open grazing laws already in place. They are demanding equal protection for all citizens, regardless of tribal identity or political status, and are calling for decisive action to prevent further loss of livelihoods and to ensure public safety.

The community’s message is clear: open grazing has no place in Benue State—whether the cattle belong to Fulani herders or to Tiv politicians.