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Bandits have attacked a farmer on his farmland in Benue State, overpowering him despite his resistance and stabbing him in the back with a pickaxe. Nearby friends later came to his rescue, and he is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
The incident adds to the growing list of violent attacks targeting farmers and rural communities in the state, where residents often face threats while trying to earn a living from the land. Details of the exact location and identity of the victim remain limited, but the brutality of the assault has sparked outrage online.
In a separate development, the Nigerian Police and other security operatives successfully rescued 13 abducted travellers, including 8 JAMB candidates. The victims were kidnapped along the Makurdi-Otukpo Road in Benue State on Wednesday while travelling in a Benue Links bus. The rescue operation brought relief to families and the affected students who were heading for examinations.
The twin incidents highlight the persistent security challenges along major routes and in farming areas of Benue State. Kidnapping for ransom has become a recurring problem, with armed groups targeting commuters, including young students preparing for tertiary education entrance exams.
Reacting to the situation, many Nigerians expressed frustration over what they see as a self-sustaining cycle of violence. One commentator noted that the country appears to be funding terror against itself through the payment of ransoms, which only empowers criminals. The suggestion is that cracking down on individuals who publicly negotiate or raise funds for kidnappers could help dismantle the enterprise, as feeding the “beast” only makes it stronger.
Calls have also been made for the arrest of figures perceived to be aiding criminal networks through ransom negotiations, with specific mention of “the English Alhaji” in public discourse around high-profile abduction cases.
While the rescue of the 13 travellers demonstrates some level of security response, the continued attacks on farmers and roads underscore the need for more sustained and proactive measures. Residents in Benue continue to live with the fear of sudden violence, whether on their farms or while travelling, as authorities work to restore safety in the region.
