Benue Violence Escalates as Militia and Herders Attack Villages

Violence has erupted in several parts of Katsina‑Ala Local Government Area in Benue State, Nigeria. Reports indicate that a militia group led by Oraernyi, known as “Heavy,” and armed herders are responsible for a series of attacks and the destruction of farmlands in the Mbajir community. The crisis intensified last Sunday when large areas of farmland in Tse Akoso were allegedly set on fire and destroyed by the armed men, prompting villagers to flee their homes in fear.

Local sources claim that a prominent, unnamed community figure is exacerbating the unrest by warning that anyone who exposes the activities of the armed herders will face severe consequences, including death. This has raised concerns that the threats aim to silence victims and conceal the role of local collaborators in the escalating violence.

The militia, allegedly collaborating with the armed herders, has been carrying out attacks on settlements such as Tse Akoso and Danzulu, creating the impression that the herders are solely responsible for the raids. Two armed herders, identified as Bado and Musa, who participated in previous attacks, are reportedly being protected and moved around by the militia. They are operating from a new hideout between Tse Dunchi and Abony, along the Ukum boundary.

The ongoing assaults have heightened fears that villagers may be completely displaced from their ancestral homes as farmlands—including yam and cassava plots—continue to be destroyed across Mbajir. Community members are appealing to traditional rulers, the local government chairmen of Ukum and Katsina‑Ala, and the Benue State government to take urgent action to prevent further loss of life. They are also demanding the immediate evacuation of the armed herders from their villages to avert additional bloodshed.

The Benue State government has struggled to address the persistent conflict between herders and farmers in the region, which has resulted in numerous attacks and the displacement of communities. The latest incident underscores the need for urgent intervention to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of villagers. Efforts to contact Police Public Relations Officer Udeme Edet for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.