The Tyoshin community of Gwer-West Local Government Area in Benue State has raised concern over the mass influx of armed herdsmen into the area.
The community, under the umbrella of the Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA), decried the situation in a press statement on Saturday.
In a statement made available to journalists in Jalingo, signed by the National President, Prof. Patrick Ukase, and the Secretary, Prof. John Ajai, the forum called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly to address the development.
Tribune Online reports that Gwer-West LGA is among the worst affected by Fulani attacks, with over 3,000 residents reportedly killed since 2011.
The forum also expressed dismay over a statement by the Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, who, in a viral video, stated that all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State, including those from Gwer-West, had returned to their ancestral homes.
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The Tyoshin community described the statement as “false”, noting that it does not reflect the realities on the ground.
“The commissioner’s statement appears to be a figment of his imagination rather than a reflection of lived realities in affected communities.
There are several villages in Gwer-West Local Government Area that residents cannot safely access,” it insisted.
“Many people have not returned to their homes due to fear of being attacked.
Others are displaced but no longer stay in official camps; they are scattered across neighbouring communities, living with relatives or in temporary arrangements.
“To suggest that there are no longer Internally Displaced Persons in Benue State, particularly in Gwer-West LGA, under these conditions, gives a false picture of reality.
It risks creating the impression that all is well when, in fact, many communities remain vulnerable and exposed,” the statement said.
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FoTA also said it had received repeated reports from residents that the herders were already encroaching on farmlands, grazing on cultivated fields and destroying standing crops.
The development, the group said, could be a prelude to attacks on vulnerable farmers, and it called on relevant authorities to act without delay.
“We wish to draw the attention of the Benue State Government, relevant security agencies and the general public to the renewed and increasing influx of armed Fulani herders into Gwer-West Local Government Area in large numbers.
“FoTA has received repeated reports from residents and farmers that the herders are already encroaching, grazing on cultivated fields and destroying standing crops.
This is a clear indication that the herders are not here solely to graze but may pose a serious threat to residents,” it stated.
The forum said the situation had already generated growing fear among residents and should not be treated lightly.“Gwer-West is one of the areas that has suffered greatly from continued herdsmen attacks, displacement and loss of livelihoods.
FoTA is raising this concern at this early stage, not to inflame tensions, but to prevent a situation that could further worsen the community’s condition if ignored,” the group added.
