Tension in Benue as armed herdsmen and bandits takes over community 

By Titus Atondu, Makurdi 

 Tension has taken over residents of Dyom community,  Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State as  Fulani herdsmen, armed group and   notorious bandits took control of farmlands and residential areas .

Eyewitnesses disclosed the development to Nigerian NewsDirect on condition of annonimity   that the herdsmen and armed groups have established strongholds within and around the community, frequently setting up camps close to residential homes and retreating into nearby farms whenever security operatives or members of the local vigilante outfit, Anyam Nyor, are sighted.

 Terhile Uma, a resident,  in a telephone conversation , described the situation as unbearable and dangerous  creating tension .

“Our house is close to Dyom settlement  and whenever the Fulani hear that soldiers or Benue security out fit code name "Anyam Nyor" are around, they quickly leave our compound and hide in our farms.

 The suspected bandits  and their  boys are everywhere.

 We can’t eat, farm, or even move freely around our home. What kind of wickedness is this?” He lamented.

The resident further revealed that fear of reprisal attacks has silenced most villagers.

 The bandits are said to be operating in the area in similar way the late Terwase Agwaza, also known as  Gana,  operated imposing taxes on market days and assuming authorities .

 Many families, according to reports, have abandoned their farms, while others remain trapped in their homes under constant fear of violence.

Local sources say the ongoing insecurity has crippled farming and market  activities in the area, with food shortages and displacement on the rise.

When contacted, the  Police Public Relations officer, (PPRO), DSP  Edem Edet said she was yet to get the reports.

As at  the time of filing this report, security agencies were yet to issue any official statement on the development. However, community leaders are calling for urgent intervention from both the Benue State Government and the military authorities to restore peace and protect residents from further attacks.