Tension has heightened in parts of Benue State following reports that armed herders were sighted moving through communities and farmlands in Guma and Logo Local Government Areas.
Residents of Nyiev Council Ward in Guma LGA and Mbavuur Council Ward in Logo LGA raised the alarm over the weekend, urging security agencies and government authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
A resident of Guma, who spoke anonymously, said armed men were seen around the Orogbo area in Nyiev Council Ward, triggering panic among locals. βThere is a group of armed herders roaming around the Orogbo area. It is difficult to explain to the public whether they are kidnappers or killers negotiating for yet another attack,β he said.
He disclosed that some women reportedly encountered the group while going about their daily activities but managed to escape unharmed. According to him, suspicion grew after it was observed that the men were moving without cattle.
βThe group is moving gently without cattle. Natives are advised to be careful as they go about their daily activities,β he warned, calling on residents of Mbayer/Yandev and Nyiev Council Wards to remain vigilant.
In Logo LGA, a resident of Tse Agee/Orkigh community in Mbavuur Council Ward alleged that suspected herders had invaded farmlands, destroying crops and threatening livelihoods.
βAs we speak right now, herdsmen are in my community, in my farmland in particular, eating my cassava. They are destroying yams in barns too,β the resident said, adding that traditional leaders had been informed.
He appealed for urgent security intervention to forestall possible violence. βI am raising concerns so that the authorities wonβt claim ignorance. Please lend us a voice before it becomes a bloodbath,β he said.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
