Alarm Raised: Armed Herders Occupying 20 Communities In Benue, Claims Ojema

Alarm Raised: Armed Herders Occupying 20 Communities In Benue, Claims OjemaA member of the House of Representatives representing the Apa/Agatu federal constituency in Benue State, Pastor Ojotu Ojema, has urged the Nigerian military to initiate clearance operations against armed herders posing a threat to the peace of communities in the Agatu Local Government Area. He reported that these armed herders are currently occupying 20 communities in the region after displacing local residents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ojema made these remarks during a discussion with journalists in Makurdi over the weekend. He recalled a recent incident where suspected Fulani bandits attacked the Egwuma community, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and six others.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the activities of armed herders have escalated over time, leading to the displacement of over 20 communities and significant loss of life. He emphasized the urgent need for the Nigerian military to enhance its capacity and take a more proactive approach to address the crisis.

Ojema lamented that the Apa/Agatu region of Benue State has become one of the most neglected and underserved local government areas in Nigeria due to the high level of insecurity. “Since I joined the national assembly, I have visited Agatu over 25 times, primarily to console residents affected by attacks from suspected herders,” he stated.

He recounted an attack in Ayila that occurred just two months into his term, prompting him to advocate for his constituents in the House. “After that attack, five security personnel were killed, and I moved a motion in response,” he said.

Most recently, on October 1, while many celebrated Nigeria’s Independence Day, another attack in Egwuma community resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including a community leader and two soldiers, who had been deployed there due to the persistent violence.

Ojema noted that more than 20 communities have been driven from their homes, leaving the area resembling a forest. He had previously advocated for a permanent military presence in the region and saw over 50 soldiers deployed there. However, armed herders attacked again, leading to further casualties among both residents and soldiers.

“The situation is alarming,” he remarked. “These assailants have not only displaced our people but have also taken over the communities, living among them with their cattle and continuing their normal activities while searching for the next community to attack.”

Ojema stressed the necessity for Nigeria’s security forces to urgently intensify their efforts to restore peace and stability in Agatu. “Given the professionalism and capabilities of the Nigerian military, it’s hard to believe that anyone could challenge them. They must step up their operations, including conducting clearance missions. If ground access is difficult, they should consider aerial approaches, as these assailants cannot outmatch our national security,” he concluded.

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