Ex-Ortom Aide Decries Continued Killings in Benue, Says ‘Recurrent Deaths’ Have Replaced Renewed Hope

Jimin Geoffrey, former Senior Special Assistant on Media to ex-Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, has raised alarm over the unrelenting attacks on Benue communities by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.

In a statement to Nigeria News 247, Geoffrey, a native of Guma Local Government Area, lamented that the killings have persisted despite President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the state following the deadly assault in Yelwata, Guma LGA.

According to him, the spate of violence has escalated. On Saturday, June 21, four individuals were murdered in various locations across Makurdi and Guma, including Tse Ati, Uda Yagba, and Tse-Kator. He also revealed that on Wednesday, June 19, four mobile police officers were killed in Udei, Guma LGA, during what he described as a targeted ambush.

The violence continued into July. On July 2, at least three people were killed in Kwaghgba village. A day later, another attack in Ukohol village claimed three more lives. On July 4, the assailants struck again in Tse-Anundu, Udei, where a man identified as Mr. Nomsoor Anundu was killed and two others seriously injured.

Geoffrey criticized the continued failure of security agencies to halt the violence, warning that Benue State remains under threat. “The terrorists have occupied our deserted farmlands and homes. They operate freely, harvesting lives as they please,” he said.

Referring to President Tinubu’s June 18 visit, Geoffrey expressed disappointment that the President’s directives to security chiefs have yet to yield results. “Despite the President’s order to flush out these criminals, the killings have not stopped. In Benue, the only thing we have received from the so-called ‘Renewed Hope’ is recurrent deaths.”

He warned of an impending massacre if urgent action is not taken, noting that even security personnel are being targeted, and that many survivors, including children, are still in hospitals receiving treatment.