Horror As Rival Bandits Turn Benue Communities To Killing Fields

The Sankera axis, encompassing Ukum, Katsina-Ala, and Logo local government areas in Benue State, has become a hotspot for violent attacks and killings by local bandits, severely impacting farming and commercial activities. Farmers are fleeing in large numbers, driven by fears for their safety, as ongoing violence disrupts agricultural livelihoods.

Residents of Ukum LG live in constant dread due to the relentless assaults on farmers, businessmen, and women. Many have fallen victim to attacks while asleep, in markets, or working on their farms, leaving countless individuals injured or permanently disabled.

Those who wish to remain anonymous told our correspondent that Sankera used to be a tranquil hub for agricultural trade and farming until the political upheavals of 1999, which saw the rise of thuggish elements aiding political agendas.

The situation spiraled out of control around 2012, intensifying until the military killed notorious bandit leader Terwase Akwaza, also known as Gana, in 2020.

His death led to the fragmentation of bandit groups, with new factions emerging as they vie for dominance. Today, the two principal groups causing havoc in the area are known as ‘Full Fire’ and ‘Chain,’ each battling for supremacy following Gana’s demise. So far, many of them have been hunted and killed by security forces in their hideouts

Sadly, this power tussle which often leads to what can best be described as “a show of force” birthed coordinated attacks and killings of the aged, pregnant women, children , youths and many others in the axis spanning from communities to markets, homes and even at funeral sites.

Today , both the age long conflict between farmers and herders , as well as the prolonged conflict between the Jukun and Tivs, along with the persistent violence from local bandits, has led to devastating attacks in Benue State. Innocent victims, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly, are often targeted.

Despite the incumbent governor’s appeals for ceasefire and peace, the violence continues, with bandits flaunting their dominance by killing opponents and their families without provocation.

Disturbingly, these armed groups track down farmers to their fields, homes, and markets, robbing them of their earnings and occasionally kidnapping and killing those who resist. Major markets, such as Tomanyiin , Gbor Tor-donga in Kastina-Ala, and Zaki-Biam in Ukum as well as  Ugba, Anyin in Logo, have been abandoned due to fear of attacks.

The bandits in 2021, murdered Terkura Suswam, the brother of former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam, in front of his house in Anyiin town.

Recent attacks in Ukum  local government area have resulted in numerous fatalities and the destruction of both public and private properties worth billions of Naira. The frightening brutal incidents  have escalated the conflict, with bandits conducting daily reprisal killings.

In one instance, over 20 residents of Ayati community were killed and scores injured  during protests against bandit violence and unprovoked killing of their loved ones . The local government Secretariat  and the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) in Sankera  and were also attacked, resulting in significant property damages.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state , Prof  Sam Egwu, raised the alarm.

He revealed then that , the incident occurred  on July 3, 2024, when youths from the area, reportedly protesting against the activities of bandits, attacked government agency facilities, including the INEC office.

Our correspondent  learnt then , that though no casualties were reported, the building sustained extensive damage. Office furniture and various materials, including 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles, were destroyed in the assault

Tragically, in a separate incident, over 30 farmers from the Ayati Community were also killed by armed men suspected to be local bandits, and numerous others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, who hails from the area, disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent. He mentioned that an unconfirmed number of individuals sustained injuries and noted that security forces have been deployed to the region as more corpses are being recovered.

Fielding questions from LEADERSHIP Weekend, he highlighted the cycle of revenge between rival groups, exacerbating the violence.

According to him, he received reports from his LGA indicating that local bandits invaded the Ayati community , and so far, 30 corpses have been recovered, with additional bodies being found in the surrounding bushes as security personnel continue to search the area.

The commissioner explained that the attackers consist of local bandits engaged in a power struggle. He noted that some of the attackers are from Tine-Nune but have maternal ties to Ayati, while others are from Ayati with maternal roots in Tine-Nune. He elaborated that when attackers from Ayati kill individuals from Tine-Nune, those from Tine-Nune retaliate to ensure they inflict more casualties than their own.

It is worth noting that Abo, who is a local, was kidnapped shortly after his appointment as Information Ccmmissioner but was later released.

A community leader and a former governorship aspirant in Benue State, Shima Ayati,  confirmed that over 30 corpses were recovered from the village following recent attacks, with search efforts still underway.

In a phone conversation with LEADERSHIP Weekend on Friday, Ayati mentioned that bandits had allegedly received money from herders to graze their animals in two council wards.

He revealed that, “As they were grazing, they came into conflict with farmers who reported the situation to the state government. The government then sent security to drive the herders away. During the process, the herders’ temporary shelters were burned down.

The herders became angry as they claimed to have paid for the land. They returned to the bandits and joined forces with them to attack the village, resulting in a massacre. Over 30 corpses have been recovered, and the search is ongoing.”

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack and revealed that 17 farmers and two police officers were killed in the invasion of Ayati.

The Police public relations officer (PPRO) Catherine Anene, in a statement, explained, August 8, 2024, that a large number of armed bandits invaded Ayati village in Ukum local government area  and began shooting at the community members.

She said that police officers in the community immediately responded and were able to repel the bandits. However, fifteen people who sustained gunshot injuries from the attack were confirmed dead upon arrival at the hospital.

According to her, “The incident also claimed the lives of two police officers who were among the team that responded to the distress call. Corpses have been deposited at General Hospital Ukum, and investigation is ongoing.”

She also mentioned that the commissioner of Police, CP. Hassan Yabanet, visited Ayati to assess the situation, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and assuring them of his commitment to fighting criminals in the area.

“The CP also commended officers for their response and encouraged them not to give up on the operation. More teams have been deployed to the area for wider coverage and better engagement with the bandits.”

Our correspondent gathered that so far,  over fifty security personnel lost their lives while trying to restore peace in the area over the past five years.

In response to the unrest in Sankera, the Benue State Governor has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry  chaired by Justice Samson Itodo (Rtd) -with  Ngufan Ahenjir as  secretary  , while Felix Iber  , Timothy Atondo Ayakpam are  members . He announced  Enyikwola Ejembi  as the lead counsel.

Additionally, the governor, during a recent  outing,  pointed fingers at politicians in Abuja, claiming they are behind the local bandit attacks targeting Benue communities, particularly in Ukum local government, where numerous fatalities occurred and properties worth billions of Naira were destroyed.

He lamented that the situation has become increasingly dire, with communities devastated and local economies crippled.

Performing the inauguration at Government House, Makurdi , governor Alia emphasised the importance of understanding these disturbances to inform effective actions.

He further tasked the committee with investigating the underlying and immediate causes of the ongoing disturbances, attacks, and security breaches in Ukum, as well as identifying the number of affected communities.

Congratulating the committee, he  expressed confidence in their qualifications and experience, believing they would excel in their duties.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Justice Samson Itodo , conveyed heartfelt gratitude for the fovernor’s recognition, assuring him that they  accepted the responsibility and would work diligently to live up to the trust placed in them.

It’s noteworthy that the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, during a State Security Council meeting, imposed a ban on motorcycles and Toyota Corollas, also known as Duck Nyash, in the Sankera area to combat rising criminal activities tied to their use.

He explained  then ,that the decision was prompted by the persistent use of motorcyles by criminals and bandits, which had devastated local economies and disrupted the social and political fabric of the region.

However, as a result  of the ban which was a response to the heavy toll that banditry took  on the region’s rural economy and overall social fabric, the community suffered significant losses, including the destruction of lives and property worth billions of naira, both public and private.

Conclusively, LEADERSHIP Weekend , writes adds that the ongoing violence not only jeopardises lives but also threatens food security and economic stability in Benue state and beyond, making it imperative for decisive action to restore safety and peace in the area.