By Amos Aar
AMID candlelight and prayers, the Benue Hike Tourism and Conservation Foundation held a vigil at Ibrahim Babangida Square (IBB Square) in Makurdi on Wednesday to commemorate victims of violent attacks across Benue State.
Originally planned as a procession, the event was held as a stationary gathering following security advisories. Attendees called for urgent action, declaring that the state can no longer remain silent amid escalating violence.
Official reports indicate that between January 2023 and February 2025, over 10,600 people, primarily women and children, have been killed in more than 575 attacks across 18 of Benue’s 23 local government areas.
The violence has displaced thousands, destroyed entire villages, and left over 2,000 schools in ruins.
Economic losses exceed ₦91 billion, with critical infrastructure, including police stations and markets, also targeted.
Mr. Tersoo Akula, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, described the violence as part of a deliberate campaign rather than sporadic conflict.
“This is not a clash; it is the systematic killing of people in their homes,” he stated. Akula criticized government inaction despite existing measures such as the anti-open grazing law and the Benue State Guards security outfit.
He noted that previous efforts, including dialogues with herder groups and international peace initiatives, had failed to curb the bloodshed.
Akula also raised concerns over land displacement, alleging that seized territories have been repurposed for grazing, altering the region’s demographic and economic landscape.
Dr. Helen Teghtegh, a civil society representative from Community Links and Human Empowerment Initiative, highlighted the humanitarian toll. “Over 300 new internally displaced persons were recorded just this morning,” she said. “Vulnerable groups – pregnant women, children, and persons with disabilities – are bearing the brunt of government failure.”
The Foundation issued demands to state and federal authorities, calling for heightened security, strict enforcement of anti-open grazing laws, community-led defense mechanisms, and transparent engagement with affected populations.
They also urged immediate humanitarian aid, IDP resettlement, and independent investigations to ensure justice for victims.
“This is not helplessness,” Akula emphasized. “It is a final plea to the Nigerian state – we cannot endure this any longer.”
Attendees displayed placards with messages such as: “Protect Benue Like Oil Wells,”“Stop the Genocide,” and “Enough Graves in Benue.”
As the vigil concluded, the collective resolve was clear: Benue’s communities are demanding an end to the violence and accountability from those in power.
