Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has alleged that suspected herders have killed about 5,138 people in various communities of the state since 2015.
Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr Emmanuel Shior, who made the disclosure in Makurdi while interacting with journalists, also alleged that another 3,000 persons have been displaced in recent attacks by herders in Gwer West, Logo, Ukum and Kwande councils, while celebrating the defeat of Governor Samuel Ortom’s Senatorial bid.
He said that 18 out of 23 local government areas have been invaded by herdsmen with houses burnt and occupied with over two million people displaced.
“A few weeks ago, Benue communities were witnessing an influx of cattle with herdsmen on the ground that Ortom had lost the Senate bid and are celebrating the first victory. That is the end of the anti-open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law regime.”
The SEMA boss said he read in newspapers that a Fulani group were strategising for more action against the state; expressing the hope that the Benue government will not be deterred by a lack of support from the federal government and that the PDP governorship candidate, Titus Uba, will not renege on efforts put in place by Governor Samuel Ortom to fend for IDPs in the state.
“As president Buhari’s administration exits, another president will be willing to work with our next government to stop the ongoing carnage. The APC-led government has neglected us. The Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management is there, but the state government has not heard from them.”
Shior insists that over 10,000 Cameronians Refugees in the Kwande local Government area of the state are being protected by the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards against invading herdsmen attack.
The SEMA boss commended governors of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; Akwa Ibom, Emmanuel Udom; Taraba counterpart, Darius Ishaku and Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party for their visit and support for the welfare of Benue IDPs.
He, therefore, begged Benue people to come out en mass on March 18 and vote for Titus Uba to be the next governor so as to sustain the developmental stride, security and other measures put in place by governor Ortom to stop terrorists herdsmen militia and their collaboration from taking over Benue State.