By Chukwuma Umeorah
Residents of Benue State have raised fresh alarm over continued deadly attacks in the region, describing the violence as genocidal and calling for urgent government intervention.
This concern was expressed yesterday ,during a town hall meeting,convened by the News Central Television in Makurdi, which brought together traditional rulers, security officials, civil society groups, survivors, and community leaders to discuss the ongoing security crisis.
The state has been witnessing consistent attacks, reportedly by Fulani militia, since 2009. According to participants, over 110 communities have been affected, with thousands killed and more than two million people displaced. In the last two years alone, the attacks have reportedly claimed over 1,000 lives.
“These attacks are genocidal. There’s an ethnic cleansing going on in Benue state,” said Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, one of the participants, while describing the scale and pattern of the assaults.
Many speakers at the meeting expressed frustration with the lack of justice and inadequate security presence. Survivors recounted attacks on farming communities, destruction of property, and mass displacement. Some accused the government of not doing enough to end the violence.
Executive Chairman of the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority and a Council Member at the Federal University of Lafia, Amos Gizo, said the crisis was being worsened by various factors. However, he assured that government efforts were ongoing to finding a lasting solutions.
Despite this, stakeholders insisted on more immediate actions, including deployment of security personnel, prosecution of those responsible, and provision of relief to displaced persons.
Managing Director of News Central, Kayode Akintemi, stated the broadcaster’s intention to continue highlighting the plight of affected communities:“We are committed to upholding the truth and furthering solutions-oriented journalism,” he said.
He added that the meeting, which was broadcast live across several platforms, was part of efforts to draw national attention to the crisis and mobilise support for peacebuilding and recovery in Benue State.
