17 Benue LGAs under siege as herdsmen attacks leave thousands homeless

By Emmanuel Antswen, Makurdi

Seventeen of Benue State’s 23 local government areas are currently reeling from a wave of violent herdsmen attacks that have left hundreds of thousands displaced and financially devastated, according to the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Dr James Iorpuu.

Speaking to journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday, Iorpuu revealed that only six councils-Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Konshisha, Gboko, Ushongo, and one other, remain untouched by the onslaught.

“The attacks have rendered hundreds of thousands of our people homeless and struggling to survive. Communities have been deserted, farmlands destroyed, and livelihoods shattered,” Iorpuu lamented.

The BSEMA boss, who also serves as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, warned that the state faces a double threat, from both herdsmen invasions and perennial flooding.

He called on the Federal Government to urgently dredge the Rivers Benue and Niger to curb the recurring flood disasters.

He described the recent conference of State Emergency Management Agencies held in Lagos as a timely intervention, saying it exposed emergency managers to modern techniques in crisis response and recovery.

Iorpuu, however, praised Governor Hyacinth Alia’s leadership, describing his performance as “beyond expectations” despite the mounting humanitarian challenges.

“For the governor to have not borrowed from any financial institution since assuming office shows purposeful leadership and accountability,” he said.

He added that the “Divine Mandate” group, which persuaded Alia to run for governor in 2023, remains proud of his record so far and plans to launch a second phase of its mobilisation campaign by year-end to promote his achievements ahead of the 2027 polls.

Iorpuu urged residents to reject individuals pressuring the governor to divert public resources for private interests.

“Benue must rise above politics of entitlement. Governor Alia is building a legacy of prudence and people-centred governance,” he said.

The situation across the affected local governments remains dire, with relief efforts ongoing to support displaced families scattered across camps and host communities.