Africa-Press – Nigeria. Tension has escalated across parts of Guma and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State following reports that armed herders have been sighted moving through communities and farmlands, triggering fears of a looming attack.
Residents of Nyiev Council Ward in Guma LGA and Mbavuur Council Ward in Logo LGA, who raised the alarm over the weekend, called on security agencies and government authorities to urgently step in and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
A local in Guma LGA, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that armed men were spotted around the Orogbo area in Nyiev Council Ward, a development he said has thrown residents into panic.
“There is a group of armed herders roaming around the Orogbo area in the Nyiev Council Ward of Guma LGA. It is difficult to explain to the public whether they are kidnappers or killers negotiating for yet another attack,” he said.
He further revealed that some women reportedly encountered the armed group while going about their daily activities but managed to escape unharmed.
“Some women ran into them yesterday and were fortunate to escape by the mercy of God,” he stated, urging residents of Mbayer/Yandev and Nyiev Council Wards to remain cautious.
According to him, suspicion heightened after it was observed that the group was moving without cattle.
“The group is moving gently without cattle. Natives are advised to be careful as they go about their daily activities. “Be warned,” he added.
In a similar development, a resident of Tse Agee/Orkigh community in Mbavuur Council Ward of Logo LGA alleged that suspected herders had invaded farmlands in the area, destroying crops and threatening livelihoods.
“As we speak right now, herdsmen are in my community, in my farmland in particular, eating my cassava,” the resident said.
He added, “They are destroying yams in barns too. I have informed my traditional heads, and I am calling on the authorities to do something before a bad thing happens.”
The resident noted that the situation had been reported to community leaders but warned that failure to act swiftly could lead to violence.
“I am raising concerns so that the authorities won’t claim ignorance. Please lend us a voice, my brother, before it becomes a bloodbath,” he pleaded.
He called for increased security patrols and prompt intervention to forestall any possible attack and safeguard lives and property.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as of press time.
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