“If the President truly meant his order, the bloodshed would have ceased. Instead, it has worsened.” – Community elder in Agatu.
Despite President Bola Tinubu’s marching order to security agencies to halt killings in Benue and Plateau states, communities in both states continue to reel under unrelenting attacks. Barely four days after his June 18 visit to Benue, suspected armed herders abducted 12 passengers in Okpokwu LGA. Since then, at least 32 lives have been lost in Guma, Gwer West, and Agatu LGAs within 59 days, raising questions about government’s capacity to enforce peace.
The crisis has not spared security forces. On June 30, four Mobile Policemen were killed in Udei, Guma LGA, while on July 7, a joint patrol team of Police, NSCDC and Benue Civil Protection Guards was ambushed, leaving four officers dead. Survivors describe the attacks as “well-coordinated,” noting that communities are left vulnerable while attackers operate with impunity.
Plateau State faces a similar ordeal. Since April, gunmen have struck Bokkos, Riyom, Kanam and Wase LGAs, leaving dozens dead and communities deserted. Governor Caleb Mutfwang and local stakeholders insist the killings are “systematic genocide” and not mere communal clashes as described by the Presidency.
“We feel forgotten. We bury our dead alone, waiting for the next batch of condolences, for how long?” lamented Luka Auta, a grieving farmer from Bassa LGA.