Benue State, Nigeria’s once-thriving food basket, is now a battleground, as violent attacks by herdsmen and militias continue to devastate rural communities. With over 600 lives lost in the past year alone and 1.5 million displaced, the crisis has reached alarming levels. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of foreign mercenaries, as reported by eyewitnesses, and the state government’s response.
This article delves into the latest developments surrounding the Benue killings, displacement, government responses, and the human cost of the violence that has plagued the state.
The violence in Benue has intensified in recent weeks, with 11 people killed in Afia, a village in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA), on April 18, 2025. Eyewitnesses have described the assault as “brutal” and “unprovoked,” with the attackers believed to be herdsmen seeking to seize land from local farmers.
In Gbagir and Logo LGAs, coordinated attacks earlier this month left over 56 people dead. Armed militias launched simultaneous assaults on these villages, leaving residents with no escape route. Survivors from these communities have painted a grim picture of the terror and devastation caused by the attackers.
Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of the violence they’ve endured. Agnes Oguche, a resident of Olena village, recounted how she fled in the dead of night with her children, only to witness her neighbors being killed in cold blood. “The police arrived too late,” she said.
In Otukpo, another farmer recalled how armed herders attacked his village on April 3, killing several neighbors and kidnapping his family. “I had to hide in the bush for two days before I could find help,” he said, still shaken by the experience.
A significant development came when Governor Hyacinth Alia revealed that survivors and eyewitnesses reported that the attackers were speaking a foreign language. This has raised suspicions that the violence may involve foreign mercenaries or militias.
Governor Alia stated, “Our people have said the attackers speak a language that is not local to our area. It’s highly concerning. We are not just dealing with local herders but potentially organized, external forces.” His statement has added a new layer of complexity to the crisis, raising concerns about the involvement of armed foreign groups in the violence.
The ongoing violence has triggered an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Benue. Over 1.5 million people have been displaced across the state, with families seeking refuge in overcrowded IDP camps. The camps are overwhelmed, and residents are living in deplorable conditions. Diseases such as cholera and malnutrition are spreading rapidly, particularly among children.
Miriam Ejiro, a nurse working in an IDP camp in Guma, explained the dire situation, saying, “People are dying from preventable diseases. It’s devastating.” Local health workers have reported alarming levels of malnutrition among children, with many losing their lives before receiving proper care.
Amnesty International recently released a report revealing that armed herders now control over 40% of the land in Benue. This land is primarily occupied by displaced farmers who have been forced off their properties. Experts believe that the attacks are part of a broader agenda to displace local populations and reshape the demographic landscape.
A local researcher familiar with the region’s history of herder-farmer conflicts stated, “This isn’t just about land disputes—it’s a deliberate effort to control and occupy.” This sentiment has been echoed by many, raising concerns that the attacks could be part of a larger, more organized ethnic cleansing effort.
In response to the escalating violence, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun issued a directive on April 22, 2025, ordering the withdrawal of Mobile Police (MOPOL) officers from non-core duties. This decision is aimed at reallocating resources to combat the rising violence in Benue and other vulnerable regions.
IGP Egbetokun emphasized that the Mobile Police Force had been diverted to private security duties, leaving local communities vulnerable. He ordered a realignment of the police force’s resources to ensure they can respond effectively to the growing insecurity in Benue.
At the same time, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu visited Benue State on April 19, condemning the violence and labeling the attacks as part of a hidden agenda to displace indigenous communities. Ribadu said, “These people are coming with a hidden agenda to kill and occupy, which they are no longer hiding.” He urged residents to collaborate with the federal government and avoid politicizing the crisis, stressing that only through collective action can peace be restored.
Governor Hyacinth Alia has taken a proactive approach in addressing the crisis, pushing for urgent military intervention and stronger collaboration with federal security agencies. The Governor has been vocal in demanding federal support to combat the rising violence, and his recent statements have highlighted the need for immediate action.
In response to the increasing attacks, Governor Alia has also called for intercommunal dialogue to address the underlying issues of land disputes and ethnic tensions. His leadership has been crucial in bringing the national spotlight to the crisis, but many argue that the federal government must step up its efforts to restore peace in the state.
The road to peace in Benue remains long and challenging. Local leaders are calling for military intervention and land reform to address the underlying causes of the conflict. Experts argue that the climate crisis, population pressures, and failure of law enforcement have created the perfect storm for such violence to flourish.
A sustainable solution requires long-term commitment from both the state and federal governments. Intercommunal dialogue, adequate compensation for displaced farmers, and a more comprehensive security strategy are essential for restoring peace in Benue. Additionally, the federal government must address the role of climate-induced migration in fueling tensions between herders and farmers.
The ongoing violence in Benue State is not just a localized issue but a national crisis that threatens to tear apart the social fabric of Nigeria. With over 600 lives lost, 1.5 million displaced, and growing concerns about the involvement of foreign mercenaries, it is clear that urgent action is needed. The Governor and security agencies have a crucial role to play in restoring order, but the federal government must take immediate and comprehensive steps to end the violence and rebuild the state.
