Residents of Borikyo and surrounding communities in Benue State have raised the alarm over the return of suspected herdsmen, who are reportedly camped around Mbatyula, a neighbouring settlement sharing boundaries with Borikyo.
According to a statement by Tivta Samuel Aondohemba, the development has triggered serious security concerns, with reports of increasing destruction of farmlands and gradual occupation of farming areas by the herders. Local farmers, who depend entirely on agriculture for survival, fear that further destruction of crops during the ongoing farming season could lead to severe economic hardship and food insecurity.
The alert calls on security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the Benue State Government to urgently investigate the situation and take proactive measures to prevent escalation. The statement emphasized that the safety of lives, property, and farmlands must be given the highest priority.
“The people of Borikyo and neighboring communities deserve to farm in peace and carry out their daily activities without fear of intimidation, displacement, or destruction of their means of livelihood,” the post stressed, adding that an early response could avert a major crisis.
The situation has prompted renewed calls for enhanced security presence in rural farming communities across the state.
