Benue crisis news

Benue State, located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, has been plagued by various crises over the years, including communal conflicts, farmer-herder clashes, and banditry. Here are some recent news updates on the crisis in Benue State:

Recent Developments:

  1. Fulani Herdsmen Attacks: On January 1, 2022, suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked a village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing at least 10 people and injuring several others. The attack was reportedly carried out by a group of armed herdsmen who stormed the village, shooting and burning down homes.
  2. Military Operation: In response to the increasing attacks, the Nigerian military launched a operation in Benue State in December 2021. The operation, code-named "Operation Whirl Stroke," aimed to flush out armed bandits and herdsmen from the state.
  3. Farmers-Herdsmen Clashes: Tensions between farmers and herdsmen in Benue State have been escalating, with both sides accusing each other of violence. In November 2021, a farmer was killed in a clash with herdsmen in Gwer West Local Government Area.
  4. Banditry: Benue State has also been affected by banditry, with several attacks reported in recent months. In October 2021, a group of bandits attacked a village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, killing several people and kidnapping others.

Government Response:

  1. Governor's Plea: Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has repeatedly called on the federal government to take decisive action to address the security challenges in the state. He has also urged the military to intensify its operations to flush out armed bandits and herdsmen.
  2. Military Deployment: The Nigerian military has deployed additional troops to Benue State to boost security in the region. The deployment is part of the government's efforts to contain the growing insecurity in the state.
  3. Dialogue Initiative: The Benue State government has launched a dialogue initiative aimed at resolving the conflicts between farmers and herdsmen. The initiative involves a series of meetings between stakeholders, including farmers, herdsmen, and government officials.

International Response:

  1. UN Concern: The United Nations has expressed concern over the growing insecurity in Benue State, calling on the Nigerian government to take urgent action to protect civilians.
  2. International Community: The international community, including the European Union and the United States, has also expressed concern over the situation in Benue State and called on the Nigerian government to address the root causes of the crisis.

Humanitarian Response:

  1. IDP Camps: The Benue State government has established several internally displaced persons (IDP) camps to accommodate those displaced by the crisis. The camps provide shelter, food, and medical care to the displaced persons.
  2. Humanitarian Aid: International organizations, including the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), have provided humanitarian aid to affected communities in Benue State.

The crisis in Benue State is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address the root causes of the conflict. The government, international community, and stakeholders must work together to find a lasting solution to the crisis.