Benue herdsmen attacks, over 5,000 people killed between 2015 – 2023
….Reveals unconcerned attitude of Benue APC leader and gov’ship candidate to IDPs
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has disclosed that suspected Fulani herdsmen have killed over 5, 138 people in various communities of the state during attacks since 2015 to date.
Executive Secretary of SEMA, Dr Emmanuel Shior made the disclosure on Tuesday during a press parley at SEMA Secretariat in Makurdi.
Shior also revealed that another 3,000 persons have been displaced in the state following the recent attacks by hersdmen in Gwer West, Logo, Ukum and Kwande local government areas while celebrating the defeat of governor Samuel Ortom’s Senatorial bid in the presidential and national assembly elections held on February 25.
He pointed out that 18 out of the 23 local government areas have been invaded by hersdmen with houses burnt and occupied with over 2 million people displaced and still at various camps.
“A few weeks ago, Benue communities have been witnessing an influx of cattle with herdsmen on ground that Ortom has lost the Senate bid and are celebrating the first victory, that, it is the end of anti open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law regime,” Shior said.
Dr. Shior said he read in newspapers that a Fulani group is strategizing for more action against the state; expressing the hope that Benue government will not be deterred by lack of support from federal government and that the PDP governorship candidate, Titus Uba will not renage on efforts put in place by governor Samuel Ortom to fend for IDPs in the state.
“As president Buhari administration exits, another president will be willing to work with our next government to stop the ongoing menace. The APC led government has neglected us. The Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management is there but state government has not heard from them”, he stressed.
Shior noted that over 10,000 Cameronians refugees in Kwande Local Government Area of the state are been protected by the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards against invading herdsmen attack.
Dr. Shior decried the lukewarm attitude towards Benue IDPs by the APC leader in the state, Senator George Akume, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs and the APC Governorship candidate Fr. Hyacinth Alia .
He challenged them to come out and tell Benue people what they have done to Benue IDPs.
Shior debunked the allegations making round the state by Alia that SEMA has mismanaged intervention packages meant for IDPs welfare.
He commended governors of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; Akwa Ibom, Emmanuel Udom; Taraba counterpart, Dairus Ishaku and Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party for their visit and support for the welfare of Benue IDPs.
He urged Benue people to come out enmass on March 18 and vote for Titus Uba to be the next governor so as to sustain the developmental stride, security and other measures put in place by Governor Ortom to stop terrorists, hersdmen militia and their collaboration from taking over Benue State.
