Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, has dismissed claims that the persistent violence in the state is rooted in religious conflict, asserting instead that the attacks are part of a coordinated campaign by armed herdsmen to seize ancestral lands from indigenous communities under the pretense of open grazing.
Ode made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United States congressional staff at the Government House in Makurdi. The visit was conducted on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
“These conflicts are not religious. They are deliberate attempts to sack indigenes from their lands,” Ode said. “The pressure on land, coupled with archaic grazing methods, is at the heart of this crisis.”
The Deputy Governor emphasized that the goal of the sustained attacks on rural communities is to forcibly displace native populations, creating space for unrestricted and outdated open grazing practices—an approach he described as unsustainable and incompatible with modern agricultural norms.
He called for a shift to ranching as the only viable, globally-accepted alternative, stating that such a solution would not only reduce conflict but also help restore peace and security across affected regions.
“We are committed to working with the federal authorities to ensure peace and security for our people,” Ode affirmed.
The UNHCR and U.S. delegation also visited the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp located at the Makurdi International Market, gaining firsthand insight into the worsening humanitarian situation.
Speaking on the visit, Ode praised the delegation’s presence as a clear demonstration of international concern and a willingness to understand the true nature of the crisis. He noted that global partnerships will be crucial in resolving the displacement and violence affecting thousands of Benue residents.
Jessie Ainslie, a UNHCR official from the United States who led the delegation, conveyed condolences and solidarity with the people and government of Benue State, reiterating the agency’s commitment to supporting displaced populations and promoting peace-building efforts in the region.
The Benue State government continues to advocate for policy shifts at the national level that prioritize sustainable land use, conflict resolution, and the protection of indigenous rights.
