Armed herders control most of Benue State, says local king Daniel Abomtse. He reports that these armed groups have taken over more than two-thirds of the state since first attacking Gwer West communities in 2011.
The crisis has spread across almost 20 of the 23 local government areas. Thousands of people can't live in their homes anymore, and they crowd into camps for displaced persons. "All the districts in Gwer West have been occupied," Abomtse told the Traditional Council meeting recently.
Many roads near Naka have become very dangerous. The king calls them "death traps" because of frequent attacks. Six districts in Kwande face similar problems. Guma has lost all ten of its districts to armed herders. In Makurdi, only the city center remains safe from attacks.
The situation looks worse in Ukum, which sees constant violence. Rural areas around Otukpo, parts of Agatu, and Apa face serious dangers as well. Abomtse wants the federal government to help take back these areas fast.
He believes the Benue crisis deserves more attention. "It is not comparable to what's happening in any other state, not even in Borno," he said.
The crisis has spread across almost 20 of the 23 local government areas. Thousands of people can't live in their homes anymore, and they crowd into camps for displaced persons. "All the districts in Gwer West have been occupied," Abomtse told the Traditional Council meeting recently.
Many roads near Naka have become very dangerous. The king calls them "death traps" because of frequent attacks. Six districts in Kwande face similar problems. Guma has lost all ten of its districts to armed herders. In Makurdi, only the city center remains safe from attacks.
The situation looks worse in Ukum, which sees constant violence. Rural areas around Otukpo, parts of Agatu, and Apa face serious dangers as well. Abomtse wants the federal government to help take back these areas fast.
He believes the Benue crisis deserves more attention. "It is not comparable to what's happening in any other state, not even in Borno," he said.
