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The Benue State Government has raised alarm over the escalating violence in the state, revealing that over 17 of its Local Government Areas (LGAs) are currently under violent attack by armed Fulani herdsmen. This was disclosed by Sir James Iorpuu, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), during a press briefing in Makurdi.
According to Iorpuu, only six LGAs—Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Konshisha, Gboko, Ushongo, and one other—are currently spared from the ongoing attacks. The violence has had devastating consequences, rendering hundreds of thousands of residents homeless and financially incapacitated. The relentless attacks have disrupted livelihoods and displaced communities, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the state.
In addition to addressing the herdsmen violence, Iorpuu called on the Federal Government to take urgent action to dredge Rivers Benue and Niger. He warned that without such intervention, flooding would continue to be a recurring annual disaster across the country, further compounding the challenges faced by affected communities.
The BSEMA Executive Secretary also highlighted insights gained from the recently concluded Conference of State Emergency Management Agencies held in Lagos, noting that the conference had significantly broadened the perspectives of emergency managers nationwide.
Commenting on the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia, Iorpuu praised the governor for exceeding expectations in governance. He refuted claims by an independent assessor who rated Benue’s leadership under Alia as average. Iorpuu emphasized that Governor Alia’s administration has demonstrated fiscal responsibility, noting that the state has not borrowed from any financial institution since the governor assumed office. “This is a clear indication of purposeful leadership and accountability,” he stated.
The ongoing violence and its impact on Benue’s communities underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address security and humanitarian challenges in the state. The government’s call for federal intervention in managing both the herdsmen crisis and recurring flooding highlights the multifaceted issues facing the region.
Source: Daily Post Nigeria
