Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State has once again been rocked by violent attacks allegedly carried out by herdsmen and bandits, leading to multiple deaths, terrorized communities, and the displacement of thousands of residents. The displaced citizens now live as internally displaced persons, highlighting a longstanding pattern of insecurity in the region.
For over fifteen years, border communities in Kwande have faced repeated waves of violence, resulting in hundreds of deaths and mass displacement. The Turan and Ikyurav-Ya axis, which borders Cameroon and Taraba State, has become a particular concern due to its increasing role as a haven for criminal and terrorist activities. The area’s vast landmass and mountainous terrain make it especially difficult to secure.
The discovery of precious minerals and the surge in illegal mining activities have further worsened security in the region, fueling criminality and exacerbating tensions with host communities.
In response to these grave security challenges, Honourable Terseer Ugbor, Member of the House of Representatives for Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, has proposed a set of decisive measures aimed at restoring peace, security, and prosperity to the area:
1. Activation of Border Patrols: Ugbor called on the Benue State Government to provide logistical support for the activation of the Border Patrol Unit approved by the Inspector General of Police to patrol the Turan and Ikyurav-Ya border areas.
2. Economic Development of Border Areas: He urged the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) and the state government to develop the Cameroon border into an Export Processing Zone, complete with international markets, storage facilities, cold rooms, trailer parks, and access roads, alongside a 50-man Immigration outpost, military command, Customs unit, and DSS border unit.
3. Boundary Demarcation and Resettlement: The National Boundary Commission should demarcate internal boundaries with Taraba State, resettle displaced persons, and restore farmlands to rightful owners.
4. Regulation of Mining Activities: A call was made for mapping of solid mineral resources in Kwande and a total ban on illegal mining, with strict enforcement by security agencies. Community Development Agreements must be re-vetted and compensation provided for environmental degradation.
5. Youth Recruitment into Security Services: Ugbor recommended accelerated training and recruitment of local youths into the Nigerian Forest Guards and other security services to protect forests, farmlands, and communities.
6. Humanitarian and Infrastructure Support: The State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs should source funds to construct resettlement homes, hospitals, and schools for displaced persons, senior citizens, and indigenous communities.
7. Environmental Conservation: The Benue State Government should designate Kwande hills and forests as a protected reserve under the National Park Service to develop a Kwande National Park for tourism, agriculture, and wildlife conservation.
Ugbor emphasized that the full implementation of these measures would bring lasting peace, strengthen security across Benue State, and guarantee sustainable development. He also highlighted his ongoing support for community policing initiatives, provision of relief materials to displaced persons, and the establishment of critical institutions such as the National Open University Study Center, Forestry Research Center, Technology Incubation Center, Infectious Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Center, and the Federal Medical Center in the constituency.
“My deep condolences go to families who have lost loved ones and to those who continue to bear the scars of violence. My commitment to the security and prosperity of Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency remains unwavering,” Ugbor said.
With these measures and new institutions, the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency is poised to become a leading region in research, environmental conservation, trade, and industry.
God bless Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, God bless Benue State, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Report compiled from a statement by Honourable Terseer Ugbor, Member of the House of Representatives, Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency
