Member of the House of Representatives representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, has raised the alarm over escalating violence in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, calling for immediate intervention to halt attacks by Fulani herdsmen.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Hon. Ugbor condemned the rising spate of killings and abductions, describing the situation as alarming and urging government and security agencies to act swiftly to protect citizens. He lamented that border communities have suffered from an endless cycle of violence for over 15 years, with victims receiving little support or prospects for resettlement.
Ugbor warned that communities along the Turan and Ikyurav-ya axis, which border Cameroon and Taraba State, are becoming epicenters of violence due to their vast terrain and mineral-rich land. He recommended activating the Border Patrol Unit, developing the Cameroon border into an export processing zone, and clearly demarcating boundaries between Benue and Taraba States.
He also called for the resettlement of displaced persons, restoration of farmlands, comprehensive mapping of mineral resources, and a strict ban on illegal mining activities. Ugbor stressed that implementing these measures would bring lasting peace, strengthen security, and promote sustainable development for future generations.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to supporting community policing and providing relief materials to residents affected by the violence. He highlighted recent federal approvals in his constituency, including a National Open University Study Centre, Forestry Research Centre, Technology Incubation Centre, Infectious Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, and a Federal Medical Centre, emphasizing that these initiatives underscore the importance of securing the area.
Ugbor extended condolences to families affected by the violence and pledged to continue advocating for the protection of lives and property in Benue State, expressing confidence that with proactive security measures, the constituency would experience more dividends of democracy.
