By Christian Asema
Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Kwande/Ushongu Federal Constituency, Terseer Ugbor, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and halt the persistent violence and killings in Benue State. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Ugbor expressed deep concern over the growing security crisis in the state, highlighting the alarming increase in attacks by suspected armed herders.
Ugbor revealed that nearly 40 percent of the state farmland has been overrun and is currently under the control of these suspected herders, leaving farmers unable to access their lands and significantly reducing agricultural production. The lawmaker plea follows a recent tragic attack in Kwande Local Government Area, where at least 19 people were killed by bandits, with 16 farmers found dead and their bodies thrown into River Katsina-Ala.
The lawmaker, who described the violence as a major threat to food security in Benue and the country at large, warned that failure to address the situation would worsen the crisis. He pointed to other affected areas, including Agatu, Gwer East, and Gwer West, Guma and Logo where attacks have persisted for over a decade without resolution.
Ugbor also reiterated the importance of establishing a clear international border with Cameroon to prevent further incursions by armed groups. He concluded his statement by urging President Tinubu, who he praised for his ongoing reforms and efforts to stabilize the nation, to deploy more security forces and take decisive action to curb the escalating violence in Benue State.
