By Olikita Ekani and Mike Odeh James
(Makurdi) Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has unveiled a new security outfit, the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (Benue State Guards), to tackle the incessant killings and kidnappings by Fulani Ethnic Militia in the state.
Governor Alia, a former Catholic priest, has faced criticism for his handling of rampant violence and terrorism in the state. Benue, located in Nigeria’s Northcentral region, has been plagued by attacks, kidnappings, and killings by armed Fulani Ethnic Militia.
The state’s new security outfit is part of efforts to address the security challenges facing Benue, which is predominantly inhabited by Christians, with 80 to 90 percent Roman Catholics.
Clergyman Reveals Alarming Scale of Fulani Ethnic Militia’s Violence
In a recent interview with TruthNigeria, Rev. Father Remigius Ihyula, Coordinator of the Foundation for Justice, Peace and Development Committee, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, and Catholic Chaplain of Benue State University, Makurdi, exposed the shocking extent of violence perpetrated by Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) in Benue State.
According to Fr. Ihyula, FEM has been responsible for the killing of thousands of people, displacement of more than 2 million Benue residents, and large-scale land grabbing. Fr. Ihyula says the militia occupy a staggering 80 percent of Benue territory.
This disturbing trend is corroborated by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), which reports that Fulani Ethnic Militia has killed more Christians in Nigeria than Boko Haram terrorists.
Former President Frustrated Previous Security Outfit
Former Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State established the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards in 2022 to combat crime in the state. However, the outfit failed to achieve its objectives, and Ortom blamed former President Muhammadu Buhari for the failure.
The personnel recruited and equipped by Gov. Ortom were not allowed to use automatic weapons, whereas Fulani terrorists continued to wreak havoc throughout the state with assault rifles. This restriction severely limited the outfit’s ability to counter the terrorists.
“Former President Muhammad Buhari deliberately scuttled the attempts to set up a security outfit to protect Benue indigenes because he wanted Fulani terrorists to gain a foothold in Benue lands,” David Onyilokwu Idah, Director, International Human Rights Commission told TruthNigeria.
“As the result of Buhari’s actions, Fulani Ethnic Militia have captured many counties (Local Government Areas) in Benue State, and they have rendered many Benue indigenes homeless”, he said.
What Sceptics Say
There are some officials who doubt the long-term efficacy of the state guards.
“Alia has not made any tangible effort or criticism or taken any action against Fulani terrorists despite frequent attacks, kidnappings or killings in the state since coming on board as the Executive Governor of Benue State,” said the former Deputy Chairman of Agatu County, Hon John Anthony Ikwulono, to TruthNigeria. Ikwulono said he hoped the exercise wouldn’t be another smokescreen to draw public praises.
As residents of Benue State prepare for Christmas Celebration, it is hoped that the new Security Outfit will make the fragile peace a permanent reality.
Peace of Graveyard
Benue State is experiencing a delicate and fragile peace, thanks to the tireless efforts of Bishop Isaac Dugu’s Amnesty Committee, established by the state government. This breakthrough is further bolstered by a historic gentleman’s agreement between Agatu County and the Fulani Ethnic Militia aimed at ending the bloodshed that has ravaged the county
However, residents tell TruthNigeria that they are apprehensive. Any peace deal that involves Fulani’s remaining in Benue land is a recipe for war, some locals tell TruthNigeria.
“It is a taboo, for you to rape our daughters, wives and kill our children. And then you want to remain on our soil?” asked Apochi Adam, a resident of Ogwule-Kaduna, in Agatu West County.
“The only way peace can return is for the Federal Government and the State Government to arrest all the killers and punish them,” Adam said to TruthNigeria.
Rev. Shimo Terlumun of NKST church, (The Universal Reformed Christian Church) in Ayati in Ukum County of Benue Northeast, looks askance at the peace currently enjoyed in his region.
“The Fulani’s are only waiting and biding their time. The only way to stop them is for the military to go after all Fulani Ethnic Militia, destroy their power bases and arrest their sponsors, Terlumun said.
This hard-won peace is a testament to the power of dialogue and negotiation. The Bishop Dugu-led Amnesty Committee has worked tirelessly to bring together warring factions, facilitating a process of healing, reconciliation, and forgiveness.
The agreement between Agatu County and the Fulani Ethnic Militia marks a significant milestone in the quest for peace in Benue State. By committing to end the violence, these groups have taken a crucial step towards rebuilding trust and restoring normalcy to the affected communities.
Mike Odeh James and Olikita Ekani are Reporters with TruthNigeria and are from Benue State.
