The Unabated Insecurity: Herdsmen Attacks Shape the Landscape of Benue State and Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency
Tales from the Frontlines
Escalating Violence: Representative Ojotu Claims Lives in Benue are Disregarded amid Herdsmen Attacks
In the heart of Benue State, the once bustling Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency now echoes with unsettling whispers of insecurity. The area, represented by Ojema Ojotu in Nigeria's House of Representatives, has become a battleground for herdsmen and the local populace.
Talking to TVC, Ojotu shared the harrowing tales of terror his people have endured. Communities within his constituency have been Brazenly occupied by herdsmen, forcing out the indigenous residents through brutal attacks. The PDP member lamented that these violent raids are happening in broad daylight, yet his people are left to suffer with no significant measures taken to stem the tide of violence.
A State on Edge
The Unvarnished words of Ojotu revealed a Benue State that is simmering with insecurity. The lives of its people have apparently lost all value, as targeted attacks and senseless deaths continue to plague the region. Despite his efforts in moving motions to bring herdsmen attacks to the attention of the federal government, very little action has been taken.
Ojotu's assertions were not left unchallenged. Residents of Apa/Agatu constituency, particularly those in Ojakele ward, have become familiar with the herdsmen's terror. Villages like Akpete have been brutally attacked, forcing its inhabitants to become refugees within their own community.
As the rainy season arrives, these farmers, gripped by fear, are hesitant to return to their lands for fear of a deadly encounter. And the situation seems to have stayed the same in many parts of Benue State. In Ojotu's own words, "Benue State is badly heated, and there is a high level of insecurity. Lives of human beings have no value. People are dying, and nothing significant is being done to arrest the situation."
A (Resistant) Pushback
Despite the escalating violence, there have been calls for communities to fortify their local security measures. For instance, a retired Department of State Services (DSS) officer proposed reinforcing vigilante groups to prevent further violence and safeguard agricultural productivity.
However, the broader impact of these attacks cannot be overlooked. The attacks have caused widespread distress, with many people fleeing their homes, displaced, and petrified of the next violent encounter. Economic hardship and food insecurity are also on the rise, as properties are destroyed, and food supplies are looted.
With over 284 lives lost in Benue and Plateau States over the past three months, it's clear that the situation in these states is at a critical juncture, with the frequent clashes between herders and farmers creating an unpredictable and volatile environment, posing a significant threat to peace and stability.
- In the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency of Benue State, represented by Ojema Ojotu in Nigeria's House of Representatives, herdsmen attacks have forced the indigenous residents out of their homes, prompting calls for local security measures.
- Ojotu, a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has raised concerns about the ineffective response from the police and the federal government in addressing these violent raids.
- General news reports and crime-and-justice chronicles have been filled with stories of targeted attacks, senseless deaths, and displacement in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and other parts of Benue State, highlighting the significance of the ongoing war-and-conflicts there.
- The escalating violence has contributed to economic hardship and food insecurity, with destroyed properties and looted food supplies exacerbating the situation.
- In a recent general news report, Ojotu expressed frustration with the government's inaction, stating that Benue State is "badly heated" and the lives of its people seem to have no value, with people dying and no significant measures taken to resolve the crisis.
