In Brief
By Mike Odeh James and Olikita Ekani
(Makurdi) — Embattled Christian farmers in the southwestern side of Benue State report they are threatened with annihilation by waves of Islamist attacks in the last few weeks, TruthNigeria has learned.
Outspoken Catholic Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who leads the diocese in Makurdi, has done a speaking tour in the United States and the United Kingdom charging that the attacks illustrate a longstanding war on Christians leading to Islamization of the state.
At least 3,000 Fulani terrorists have invaded Otukpo since December 2024, establishing multiple camps in key forested areas, according to William Agada Pablo, Commander of the Benue Civil Defense Guard in charge of Otukpo. Speaking to TruthNigeria, Pablo detailed the dire security situation gripping the region.
“From our investigation, the terrorists have set up camps in Ohimini Forest, Ojantele, Ojali, Akpa-Otobi, and the forest near Adoka Road,” Pablo said.
“These camps are known to the military. It is from these bases that they launch their attacks and hold their kidnapped victims. I have lost 12 of my men in the battlefields due to the superior power of the terrorists, and no assistance has been rendered to the families of the deceased.”
Zone C, also referred to as “Benue South,” defines the region occupied by the Idoma ethnic nationality of Benue. The region is home to the Idoma people, the second-largest ethnic group in Benue State. It includes nine counties (local government areas): Agatu, Apa, Ohimini, Otukpo, Adoh, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo, Oju, and Obi. Otukpo is acknowledged as the ancestral headquarters.
Otukpo county is located 171 miles (276 km) South of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, and 63 miles (102 km) Southwest of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The Idoma people, 2.9 million strong, are chiefly Catholics and Methodists, according to David Onyilokwu Idah of the International Human Rights Commission.
Read the full account of this event here.
Mike Odeh James and Olikita Ekani are conflict reporters for TruthNigeria.
