KEY POINTS

• Widespread casualties result from increasing attacks that take place within Benue State.
• Governor Alia encourages security forces and local residents to maintain their preparedness against attacks.
• An enormous number of residents now face displacement throughout Benue State where thousands reside in integration displacement camps.

Governor Hyacinth Alia from Benue State issued an order for heightened alert status to security personnel and state residents because security conditions continue to worsen.

During the past weeks violence has intensified throughout the areas consisting of Otukpo together with Kwande and Sankera since they occupy all of the Logo non-destrict alongside Ukum and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas.

The areas suffered throughout attacks by herdsmen until 30 people died in Otukpo and Sankera lost nearly 60 members of their community. The security situation in Kwande LGA becomes increasingly dangerous because armed herdsmen now control this territory so much that they decided to give new names to their occupied regions. The local area reports five daily casualty deaths.

Displacement and the growing crisis

Resident displacement from these attacks has led many to establish safe shelter in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. The violent attacks throughout the state have increased the statewide tension to dangerous levels while residents remain in a state of continuous anxiety.

Governor’s call for vigilance amidst rising insecurity

Alia released a warning via his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula which instructed security forces and residents to stay alert because of the mounting conflict situation.

All security formations in the state received the directive through a statement named “Benue on Alert” while local people were encouraged to notify authorities about any possible suspicious situations, because of the rising insecurity.

“This is an important update. The Governor pleaded with people to treat the warning with full seriousness, he stated.