By Amos Aar
SURVIVORS of recent violent attacks in Kwande LGA of Benue State have called on the government to prioritise security in their communities to prevent further bloodshed.
While expressing gratitude to the state government for the payment of their medical bills, some of the victims, who are receiving treatment at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) emphasised that enhanced security is more critical than post-attack relief efforts.
One of the survivors, speaking anonymously from his hospital bed, urged the government to deploy adequate security personnel to protect vulnerable communities. “We appreciate the government for paying our hospital bills, but what we need most is security to prevent these attacks from happening again,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, who also doubles as the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Dr James Iorpuu, and the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of BSUTH, Dr Stephen Hwande, confirmed the government’s intervention during his (Iorpuu) visit to the hospital on Thursday to assess the condition of the victims.
Iorpuu explained that governor Hyacinth Alia had directed BSEMA to assess the situation in Kwande and ensure that all injured victims received free medical care.
“We discovered that five victims were brought here on Tuesday. Sadly, we lost one, but four are still receiving treatment.
“BSEMA has a standing arrangement with this hospital to provide free treatment for displaced persons, and that is exactly what is happening,” Iorpuu stated.
Hwande praised BSEMA’s swift action, describing it as unprecedented. “The four surviving patients are receiving comprehensive care, including feeding, and are showing signs of recovery,” he said.
Kwande LGA has recently faced a surge in violent incidents blamed on suspected herders. Reports indicate that over 20 people were killed, including 16 farmers whose bodies were found in the Katsina-Ala River.
In response to the worsening insecurity, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reportedly withdrawn all corps members from the Mbaa community in Kwande LGA.
According to the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations for NYSC in Benue, Yahuza Adamu, the decision was prompted by continuous attacks in the area.
“Since the beginning of incessant attacks on Mbaa Community, which shares a boundary with the Republic of Cameroon, NYSC withdrew all corps members and has not posted any there to date,” Adamu confirmed.
The attacks in Kwande are part of a broader pattern of violence across Benue State, where clashes between suspected herders and local communities have led to significant loss of life and mass displacement.
Despite government efforts, insecurity remains a major concern for residents.
