Benue in Crisis: 40% of Land Taken Over by Fulani Herdsmen – Lawmaker Sounds Alarm

Hon. Terseer Ugbor, a member of the House of Representatives, has raised serious concerns about the escalating crisis in Benue State, claiming that suspected Fulani herdsmen have taken control of over 40% of the state’s land, forcing thousands of locals to flee their ancestral homes.

Speaking in Abuja, Ugbor highlighted a deadly wave of attacks that have left the state reeling, with at least 13 lives claimed in a recent onslaught. The lawmaker condemned the herders’ actions, which have resulted in more orphans and widespread displacement, urging President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.

Ugbor accused the herdsmen of intentionally encroaching on Benue’s land, further escalating violence and insecurity in the region. He pointed to the shocking incident over Christmas, where Fulani bandits attacked Kwande Local Government, a border community with Cameroon. During the attack, they destroyed an immigration outpost, undermining the last semblance of security in the area. The situation became so severe that the bandits even crossed into Cameroonian territory, triggering clashes with the Cameroonian military, an event that made international headlines.

The lawmaker also revealed another massacre that occurred just days ago, with the same Fulani bandits reportedly killing 13 people in the Kashimbila area, where critical national infrastructure such as a power plant, dam, and airport are located. Ugbor warned that this violence could spiral into a broader crisis, with international consequences, as the region contains valuable natural resources like gold and lithium, and is plagued by illegal mining activities.

With more than 40% of Benue’s farmlands now under the control of the herdsmen, Ugbor expressed grave concern about the state’s future. He said that the insecurity has severely hindered agricultural production, threatening food security not only for Benue but for Nigeria as a whole. He described this situation as dire, affecting not just his constituency but other regions like Agatu, Guma, Gwer East, and Gwer West, which have also been under siege for over a decade.

Ugbor appealed to President Tinubu’s administration for greater support in stabilizing Benue’s security situation, calling for more troops, technological assistance, and stronger federal presence to combat the growing violence.

The lawmaker emphasized that economic development could be the key to resolving the crisis. By opening up the region for industrial and agricultural development, Ugbor believes Benue could become a thriving economic hub, which would foster unity and reduce insecurity. He urged the government to treat Benue’s farmlands as national assets, investing in infrastructure and security to protect the region’s future and the livelihoods of its people.

With thousands already killed and many more at risk, Ugbor made a final plea for immediate action to prevent further devastation.