Journalists in Benue State are preparing to boycott official communications from the Benue State Police Command, citing a persistent pattern of misinformation, delayed responses and alleged attempts to downplay attacks on communities across the state. The move, which is expected to take effect unless there is a last-minute intervention, stems from growing frustration among reporters over the command’s handling of information relating to the wave of violent attacks in parts of Benue, particularly in Otukpo and other communities in Benue South.
Several journalists have accused the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, of consistently refusing to respond to calls and text messages whenever attacks occur, only to later issue statements disputing reports that journalists had independently verified. According to members of the press, the situation has become a recurring pattern. “When attacks happen, we call and send messages seeking official confirmation, but they are ignored. Sometimes she says she will get back to us, but never does. She also goes silent on the journalists’ WhatsApp platform, where she is the administrator, until reporters have gathered information from victims, community leaders and other independent sources. It is only after stories have been published that the police come out to deny or downplay the incidents,” one journalist said.
Media practitioners cited the recent attacks on Ochobo and Agadagba communities as examples. Repeated attempts to obtain confirmation from the police were unsuccessful. Hours later, the command issued a statement claiming that only one person had died, despite reports from residents and local sources indicating a much higher casualty figure. What many journalists described as “the final straw” was the police’s response to Tuesday’s deadly attack on Efeyi Ugboju in Otukpo Local Government Area. While residents and journalists reported the killings almost immediately after the attack, the Benue State Police Command did not issue an official statement until about 24 hours later. When the statement eventually arrived, many journalists expressed outrage that its headline focused on cattle rustling rather than the loss of human lives. Titled “Benue Police Condemn Fatal Cattle Rustling Attack on Efeyi Community, Launch Manhunt for Suspects,” the statement said armed bandits invaded the community with the intention of rustling cattle before opening fire on farmers. The command confirmed that 13 people were killed while 20 cattle were rustled during the attack. The wording triggered condemnation among journalists and members of the public, many of whom accused the police of placing greater emphasis on stolen cattle than on the lives lost.
One visibly angry journalist said: “Na wa o! This is serious. Police condemned deadly cattle rustling attack? What about the humans that were killed? The people who died, are they the owners of those cattle? It is now clear that the police are taking sides for reasons best known to them. This is a shame—prioritising cattle over human lives. Who even writes this kind of statement?” Journalists also recalled the police’s swift response following the killing of cattle breeder Ardo Risku, noting that the command issued a strongly worded statement within minutes of the incident and immediately announced arrests. “When Ardo Risku was killed, it took less than 20 minutes for the police to issue a statement condemning the attack and announcing arrests. But when innocent people in Benue communities are massacred, the police either keep quiet or issue statements that appear to minimise the tragedy,” another journalist said.
The growing dissatisfaction has reportedly led journalists across different media organisations in the state to agree in principle to blackout the activities of the Benue State Police Command. Under the proposed action, reporters would suspend the publication of police press releases, official statements and routine activities of the command until what they describe as “professional, transparent and unbiased communication” is restored. Although no official resolution has been released by the journalists’ body, multiple media practitioners who spoke on the development confirmed that the decision enjoys widespread support and could take effect immediately unless the police address the concerns raised. As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not responded to the concerns expressed by journalists regarding the proposed media blackout.
