Residents of several communities in Benue State have expressed deep frustration and despair following the latest wave of deadly attacks that claimed lives, destroyed homes, and forced hundreds to flee their ancestral communities.
Survivors, many of whom lost loved ones and property during the violence, lamented that they had been left at the mercy of armed attackers despite repeated appeals for increased security.
Speaking to journalists, one distraught resident said, “We have been abandoned to our fate. We cried for help, but nobody came. Our people were killed, our houses burnt, and now we have nowhere to go.”
The fresh attacks reportedly occurred in parts of the state already grappling with recurring violence linked to armed groups. Witnesses said the attackers stormed the affected communities, shooting indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Many displaced families are now taking refuge in neighbouring communities and temporary camps, where they face shortages of food, clean water, shelter, and medical supplies.
Community leaders condemned the persistent insecurity, urging the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy more personnel to vulnerable areas and intensify efforts to prevent further bloodshed.
Humanitarian organisations have also expressed concern over the growing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), warning that continued attacks could worsen the humanitarian crisis in the state.
Security agencies said efforts were ongoing to restore normalcy, with troops and other security personnel deployed to the affected areas to track down those responsible for the attacks. Authorities also appealed to residents to remain calm and provide useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.
The latest killings have renewed calls from stakeholders for stronger security measures, justice for victims, and lasting solutions to the recurring violence that has plagued several communities across Benue State in recent years.
