Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia warned Wednesday that armed herders are attacking six local governments across the state. During his appearance on Arise Television's Morning Show, he named these areas as Apa, Agatu, Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, and Kwande. The governor described these attacks as planned and intentional actions against local communities.
Alia said his administration has made progress fighting these armed groups. When he took office nearly two years ago, 17 local governments faced attacks, but his efforts reduced that number to nine and finally to six. The most serious current conflicts happen in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Gwer West, where attackers come heavily armed with assault rifles.
The governor explained that population growth has eliminated traditional cattle routes through Benue to southern regions. As herders try moving through farmland, they destroy crops and agricultural production. Some attackers arrive without cattle, carrying only weapons, hiding in bushes until completing their missions before their associates move in to claim territory.
Alia noted that the violence varies by region. Apa and Agatu have faced severe direct attacks, he said. Otukpo suffers mainly from kidnappings with large ransom demands. The governor emphasized these armed herders arrive with clear goals of killing residents and taking over land.
Alia said his administration has made progress fighting these armed groups. When he took office nearly two years ago, 17 local governments faced attacks, but his efforts reduced that number to nine and finally to six. The most serious current conflicts happen in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Gwer West, where attackers come heavily armed with assault rifles.
The governor explained that population growth has eliminated traditional cattle routes through Benue to southern regions. As herders try moving through farmland, they destroy crops and agricultural production. Some attackers arrive without cattle, carrying only weapons, hiding in bushes until completing their missions before their associates move in to claim territory.
Alia noted that the violence varies by region. Apa and Agatu have faced severe direct attacks, he said. Otukpo suffers mainly from kidnappings with large ransom demands. The governor emphasized these armed herders arrive with clear goals of killing residents and taking over land.
