Latest news on benue crisis

The Benue crisis refers to the ongoing conflict between farmers and herdsmen in Benue State, Nigeria. Here are some of the latest news updates on the crisis:

Recent Developments:

  1. Fresh Attacks: On February 22, 2023, suspected herdsmen attacked a village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing one person and injuring several others. The attack came just a day after a similar incident in which two people were killed in a separate attack in the same area.
  2. Military Deployment: In response to the ongoing violence, the Nigerian military has deployed troops to Benue State to restore peace and security. The deployment comes after a meeting between the state governor, Samuel Ortom, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.
  3. Farmers-Herdsmen Clashes: Clashes between farmers and herdsmen have continued to occur in various parts of the state, with both sides accusing each other of violence. The clashes have resulted in the loss of lives and property, with many communities displaced.
  4. Government Response: The Benue State government has set up a committee to investigate the crisis and identify the perpetrators. The government has also called on the federal government to provide additional security personnel to the state to help contain the violence.
  5. International Concern: The crisis has attracted international attention, with the United Nations and other human rights organizations calling for an end to the violence and the protection of civilians.

Recent Statements:

  1. Benue State Governor: Governor Samuel Ortom has called on the federal government to take decisive action to end the crisis, saying that the state is at a "crossroads" and that the situation is "getting out of hand."
  2. Nigerian Military: The Nigerian military has vowed to bring the perpetrators of the violence to justice, saying that it will not tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness in the state.
  3. UN Special Rapporteur: The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, has called on the Nigerian government to take immediate action to protect the rights of indigenous peoples in Benue State, saying that the crisis is a "human rights emergency."

Recent Deaths:

  1. February 21, 2023: Two people were killed in a clash between farmers and herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
  2. February 20, 2023: One person was killed and several others injured in a similar attack in the same area.
  3. February 18, 2023: Three people were killed in a clash between farmers and herdsmen in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Recent Displacements:

  1. February 22, 2023: Hundreds of people were displaced in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State following a fresh attack by suspected herdsmen.
  2. February 20, 2023: Several communities were displaced in the same area following a similar attack.

Please note that the situation is constantly evolving, and this information may not be comprehensive or up-to-date.