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Tag: Benue massacre

  • Benue massacre: Food inflation looms as farmers abandon farmlands in Nasarawa

    Benue massacre: Food inflation looms as farmers abandon farmlands in Nasarawa

    Farming communities along the Benue-Nasarawa border have deserted their villages and farmlands out of fear of further attacks, following the recent massacre of over 200 people by suspected herdsmen in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

    Investigations revealed that farmers across the border areas have fled to urban centres, abandoning their crops and lands at the peak of the farming season.

    A visit to Keana, Obi, Doma, and Awe local government areas of Nasarawa State, which border Benue, showed that many displaced farmers are now taking shelter in towns. Mr. Tersoo Fatu, a farmer from Tse Agan in Keana, said, “Since the Yelwata attack, everyone has fled. We fear being the next target. This is farming season, yet we have had to leave behind our maize, guinea corn, yam, and cassava seedlings just to stay alive.”

    Our correspondent also observed that Tiv communities in Kadarko town (Keana LGA), Doma, and Lafia are being overwhelmed by an influx of displaced persons from border villages. The Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Kadarko Primary School is overcrowded and lacking basic amenities due to the surge of fleeing residents.

    Mr. Simon Tion, speaking from Lafia, confirmed that more than 10 Tiv-dominated communities around Yelwata have been deserted. “Tiv residents in Nasarawa are targets,” he said. “The Fulani herders have repeatedly attacked and killed our people, especially farmers in the border areas.”

    Read Also: Benue massacre: IGP orders deployment of additional manpower

    Amid growing humanitarian concerns, the IDPs are in desperate need of food, clean water, healthcare, and security. The makeshift camp lacks toilets, proper sleeping arrangements, hygiene facilities, and perimeter fencing, conditions that pose severe health risks.

    The victims’ plight calls for immediate intervention from government agencies and humanitarian organisations to prevent further suffering.

  • Benue massacre: IGP orders deployment of additional manpower

    Benue massacre: IGP orders deployment of additional manpower

    …commiserate with Benue government

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday ordered the deployment of an additional tactical team to end the massacre in Benue State.

    Egbetokun gave the order when he visited the state following the tragic incidents that had occurred in the State, resulting in the death of scores of residents. 

    He was accompanied by senior officers, including the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, DIG Yakubu Kwazhi, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Logistics & Supply, DIG Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, the AIG Zone 4, AIG Zachariah Fera, and the CP SIS, CP Abayomi Shogunle.

    Upon his arrival in Benue State, the IGP, according to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi visited the State Government House, where he commiserated with the State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, who expressed his ease and delight for the IGP’s visit and the deployment of personnel and tactical assets over time, and even at the moment.

    Read Also: Akume urges unity for peace in Benue, hails Tinubu’s swift intervention

    Egbetokun condemned the attacks, describing the killings as senseless and an act of terrorism.

    He reassured the governor that the Nigeria Police Force would do its best to rein in the situation and bring the perpetrators of the heinous and barbaric acts to justice.

    The IGP also seized the opportunity to visit the Yelwata Community in Guma LGA of the State, where he inspected the damage done and engaged the community leaders alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

    Adejobi said, “The IGP commiserated with the members of the community and reassured them of the NPF’s commitment to further augmenting the available security emplacement in the state. To this end, the Inspector-General of Police has directed the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams and assets, assigning the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Dali Yakubu, to take charge and oversee the operations aimed at restoring peace and serenity to Benue State.

    “Finalising his visit, the IGP addressed the officers and men of the Benue State Command at the Officers’ mess located at the State Headquarters, Makurdi, where he assured them of adequate welfare and logistics support to challenge the ongoing hazards in the state.

    “The Nigeria Police Force once again reaffirms its commitment, in line with the agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to the good people of Benue State and the entire country. The Force remains resolute towards bringing the perpetrators of these attacks to justice and restoring peace to all affected communities.”