‘In two years, armed attackers killed 2,800 in Benue’

Amnesty International (AI) has revealed that over 2,800 persons have been killed by armed attackers in Benue State between January 2023 and February 2024.

At a press conference, yesterday, in Makurdi, Programme Director of the global body, Barbara Magaji, said many of those killed were women and children, with the situation leaving hundreds displaced, wounded, and kidnapped.

AI further disclosed that within the period under review, 50 communities recorded at least 235 attacks and 18 out of the 23 local councils in the state witnessing insecurity and continuous attacks.

It said this year alone, 12,369 persons from 2,105 households had been displaced from their homes, while no fewer than 540 persons killed and 149 others injured between January and February this year.

The international body stated that over 50 per cent of the farming population in Agatu, Guma and Gwer –West council areas have been displaced with no access to farmlands or any means of livelihood.

The report also disclosed that over 23 markets in rural communities have been attacked, destroyed or closed down because of conflict and insecurity.

The Commanding Officer, 72 Special Forces Battalion Lt.-Col. RB Keffas, who also spoke at the event, submitted that security personnel could not do it all without the cooperation of the people.

Represented by the Adjutant, Lieutenant Danjuma Abba, the commander asserted that security agents were doing their best, but expressed dismay that they have witnessed some level of betrayal and connivance from some members of the local communities and advised against such.

Other speakers, including the Commissioner of Police, Steven Yabanet, Chairman of Jamatul Nasril Islam, Alhaji Garba Baba and Bishop of Makurdi Anglican Diocese, Nathan Inyom, who disputed the figures, insisted that the statistics were significantly higher.

“The Amnesty International is economical with statistics and data. If we include the international refugee camp at Ikyogen, we have up to two million refugees and IDPs,” the bishop stated.