By Olikita Ekani
(Makurdi) Tensions are rising in Benue State, Northcentral Nigeria, as Fulani ethnic militias continue their brutal assaults on communities, leaving death and destruction in their wake.
Despite efforts by local leaders to broker peace, the violence remains unabated, fuelling fears of further bloodshed.
Wave of Killings Across Benue State
In February 2025 alone, Fulani militias have killed more than 10 people in various counties, spanning from Otukpo to Gwer West. The violence has also displaced nearly 20,000 residents, forcing them to flee their ancestral homes.
A deadly attack on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, left five hunters dead after Fulani militias invaded Okpomaju community in Otukpo County. This came just two days after a similar assault on Monday, February 3, which claimed three lives.
Prior to these attacks, the same militia group had struck two communities in Gwer West County on February 1 and 2, leaving a trail of death and destruction.
In these brutal assaults, two people were killed in Tse Shugun Vengav and Tse Gyuche precincts. Additionally, a woman was kidnapped from Mbabwande community, sparking widespread fear among residents.
Failed Peace Mission
Despite ongoing peace efforts led by the Tribal Chief of Otukpo, John Eimonye, and the Chairman of Otukpo County, Maxwell Ogiri, the situation remains volatile. The inability to curb the violence has left residents feeling abandoned and vulnerable.
The relentless attacks have forced thousands of people to flee their homes. In an interview with TruthNigeria, Samson Agaba, a 47-year-old farmer from Okpomaju, shared his harrowing ordeal.
“I’ve relocated from Okpomaju to Otukpo town and am currently living with my father-in-law,” Agaba said. “I wouldn’t normally stay with him, but the terrorists have driven us out. If I were to stay and rebuild my house, they would surely return and kill us.”
Agaba estimates that more than 2,000 villagers from Odudaje, Okpomaju, and Asa have been forced to seek refuge in Otobi, Otukpo, and Makurdi.
David Okoh Onyillokwu, a youth leader in Otukpo, confirmed the scale of displacement in an exclusive interview with TruthNigeria.
“As of now, the violence seems to have abated, but the threat of Fulani attacks remains, forcing many to flee their ancestral homes,” Onyillokwu said.
He estimated that at least 5,000 people from Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpomaju have been displaced, with many now living as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Otukpo town.
Agatu Farmers Cry Out as Fulani Cattle Overrun Farmlands
In addition to the killings and displacement, farmers in Agatu have raised concerns over the invasion of their farmlands by Fulani cattle. This latest development threatens to further destabilize the region, despite a recent peace accord between Fulani and Agatu community leaders.
Friday Alhassan, a 29-year-old farmer and leader of the Agatu Community Development Association, expressed his frustration.
“The peace meeting called by the council chairman between the Fulani and Agatu traditional chiefs was supposed to bring peace, but the Fulani elders who attended apologized without consulting widely with the youths,” Alhassan told TruthNigeria.
He criticized the Chairman of Agatu County, Melvin Ejeh, for initiating the peace accord without establishing a monitoring committee to oversee the movements of Fulani herders.
“As we speak, Fulani cattle have overrun our farmlands. They are eating up our yams and grains. Today, being Sunday, a holy day, I am in the farm trying to protect my crops from being eaten,” he lamented.
With farmlands being destroyed and livelihoods at risk, many in Agatu fear that the fragile peace could collapse, leading to renewed violence.
Growing Uncertainty and Calls for Action
As Fulani militias continue their violent onslaught, residents of Benue State remain trapped in a cycle of fear and displacement. The failure of security forces to curb the attacks has led to growing frustration among affected communities.
With thousands now homeless and livelihoods under threat, urgent intervention is needed to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed.
Olika Ekani is a conflict Reporter for TruthNigeria.
