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The Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA) has issued a strong warning over the rising insecurity in Gwer-East and Gwer-West Local Government Areas, describing the situation as a deepening crisis marked by fresh killings, land occupation, and weak law enforcement that is threatening lives and livelihoods.
In a communiqué released after its meeting on April 6, 2026, in Makurdi, the group stated that the security situation has reached a critical point, with persistent attacks steadily eroding public trust in government authority.
FoTA specifically pointed to the deadly Easter Sunday attack on the Mbalom community in Gwer-East, where several residents were killed. The forum described the incident as a grim reflection of ongoing security lapses, especially as intelligence reports had reportedly warned of the attack beforehand. The academics questioned why such warnings failed to translate into timely action, stressing that intelligence gathering becomes meaningless without swift intervention to protect vulnerable communities.
Beyond the Mbalom tragedy, the group highlighted a growing security breakdown in Gwer-West, particularly affecting residents who recently returned to their ancestral homes. According to FoTA, suspected armed herders have allegedly taken over community lands, grazing cattle freely and creating an atmosphere of fear. With the farming season now beginning, many farmers are reportedly unable to access their lands without intimidation. Some are even forced to seek permission from herders before entering their own farmlands – a development the forum described as unacceptable and dangerous.
“No responsible government should allow citizens to negotiate access to their own land out of fear,” the communiqué stated, warning that such realities suggest a dangerous shift of control from lawful authorities to non-state actors.
The Forum of Tyoshin Academics called for urgent and decisive measures to restore security and protect farming communities in the two local government areas.
