Insecurity: Rep alleges land grabbing by herdsmen in Benue

A member of the House of Representatives, Terseer Ugbor, has raised alarm over an alleged land-grabbing spree by Fulani herdsmen in Benue State, claiming that they have taken over 40 per cent of the state’s land and displaced thousands from their ancestral homes.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Ugbor called for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to halt the crisis before it leads to further displacement and loss of lives.

The warning comes weeks after Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, launched the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG), a 5,000-personnel security outfit, alongside the State Joint Task Force (SJTF) codenamed “Anyam Nyor,” meaning “The Lion is Here.”

According to Alia, the security measures aim to address communal clashes, banditry, and herdsmen invasions. However, Ugbor stated that these efforts have not curbed the escalating violence in the state.

He alleged that over 13 people were killed on Monday in fresh attacks, adding that the situation has produced an alarming number of orphans in the state.

Allegations of Continued Attacks

Ugbor, who represents Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, recounted a series of violent incidents involving herdsmen, particularly during the 2024 Christmas season.

“As you may be aware, just recently, over the 2024 Christmas season, we had an attack where bandit Fulani herdsmen invaded Kwande Local Government, a border community with Cameroon. This attack took place between December 25 and the New Year.

“It got so bad that the bandits had the audacity to attack an immigration outpost in that community and burn it down. This outpost was the only standing security presence in that border community with Cameroon. The immigration outpost did not necessarily have equipment or arms to defend itself. It was more of an intelligence-gathering post, but at least it provided a semblance of security presence in the area.

“In the course of that attack, the bandits took a detour into Cameroonian territory, where the Cameroonian Gendarmes attacked them and killed many of them. This incident became headline news in Cameroon, where they reported that Nigerian Fulani bandits were attacking the Cameroonian military.

“This issue has an important international dimension that could escalate into a crisis beyond our control if we do not take notice. And then, just yesterday (Monday), another killing took place by the same Fulani bandits, who are suspected to be camped around the Kashimbila area.

“From the last count, we heard that about 13 persons had been killed, and their bodies have been recovered. The Kashimbila area houses the Kashimbila power plant, a dam, and an airport that was recently commissioned.

“Additionally, a university is being built there, along with other national infrastructure. This area is also home to a United Nations refugee camp in Turan, Kwande Local Government, where refugees from Cameroon fleeing the Ambazonian fighters have been lodged for protection by the United Nations.

“If not checked, this crisis could escalate into a major problem for Nigeria. Moreover, this region has recently been discovered to contain natural resources like gold, lithium, and other precious stones, leading to significant illegal mining activities.”

Impact on Food Security and Economic Growth

Ugbor warned that the continued attacks pose a serious threat to food security in Benue State and Nigeria.

He said, “The major problem with this crisis is the food insecurity it is causing in Benue and Nigeria as a whole. According to the latest information, over 40 per cent of the arable farmlands in Benue State have been taken over by Fulani bandits. As a result, our farmers cannot access their farms, leading to a significant drop in agricultural production in the state.

“This issue is extremely dire for Nigeria and the people of Benue State. It does not just affect my constituency of Kwande/Ushongo; other areas, such as Agatu, Guma, Gwer East, and Gwer West, are experiencing daily attacks.

“This situation has persisted for over 10 years without proper attention from the government, unlike other regions in Nigeria.

“This appeal is directed at the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been making commendable efforts to stabilize the country through reforms and policies.

“However, in terms of security, Benue State needs more support. We need additional personnel on the ground, enhanced technological tools, and greater focus on curbing the insecurity that has plagued Benue for years. If left unchecked, this crisis will escalate into a much bigger problem.”

Call for Economic Development as a Solution

Ugbor suggested that economic development is key to addressing the crisis, saying “As a representative and a policy expert analyzing this issue from different perspectives, I believe the solution to this crisis lies in economic development and prosperity for the people.

“We must open up the region to industrial and commercial activities while protecting our farmlands as valuable assets. Our land and agriculture are to Benue State what oil is to the Niger Delta. Benue is the food basket of Nigeria, producing many of the crops consumed nationwide.

“Until we recognize agriculture as our asset and protect it accordingly, we will continue facing these challenges. Government presence in these areas is crucial. The lack of infrastructure—such as roads, police stations, schools, and hospitals—makes it easier for invaders to take over these lands.

“If there were government institutions and economic activities in these areas, it would help integrate settlers and indigenous people, fostering unity and development.

“Through this economic model, combined with conventional security measures, we can significantly reduce insecurity.”

The lawmaker emphasized that the level of casualties in the region due to herdsmen attacks is unquantifiable, adding that thousands of his constituents have lost their lives to the crisis.