Fear Grips Benue Counties as Armed Fulani Militia Occupy Rural Communities
By Ekani Olikita
(Makurdi) Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has called on the United States to extend its airstrikes to Benue State.
Aondoakaa condemned what he described as the influx of well-armed militants following the Sokoto airstrikes, according to Punch. The former federal minister was speaking at a conference Jan. 2, 2026, with political stakeholders in Makurdi, the State capital.
“Since the U.S. operation in Sokoto, there has been massive movement of armed militia into Benue, forcing our people to flee their homes,” he said. “There are terrorists in Benue. The airstrikes are long overdue here.”
Aondoakaa urged President Donald Trump to “listen to the cry of the people” and take decisive action to help restore peace.
Fear has beclouded Benue State’s northern counties (local government areas) following the occupation of their lands by gunmen speaking the language of Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM), according to leaders interviewed by TruthNigeria.
Community leaders link the renewed influx of the militia to recent U.S. airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) hideouts in Sokoto State on Christmas Day. The leaders allege that militants displaced by the operation have relocated to neighboring Nasarawa State and are spreading out into rural communities in Benue State.
Gwer-West County, with headquarters in Naka, Agatu County headquartered in Obagaji and Apa County with headquarters in Ugbokpo are located approximately 48, 50 and 52 miles southwest of Makurdi, the Benue State capital. The three counties share similar geographical and religious characteristics: 98 Christian, predominantly Catholic. Gwer-West is chiefly inhabited by the Tiv-speaking people, while Apa and Agatu are predominantly Idoma-speaking counties.
‘They Have Taken Over Our Communities’ — Gwer-West Monarch
The Traditional Ruler of Gwer-West County, Chief Daniel Abomtse, confirmed the presence of armed groups in a telephone interview with TruthNigeria, describing the situation as dire.
“They have taken over our riverine and farming communities,” he said. “Most of them fled Sokoto State after the U.S. airstrike and crossed into Nasarawa before entering Benue through the River Benue region from Doma. From there, they spread into Gwer-West, Agatu and Apa”, he told TruthNigeria.
According to the monarch, residents have deserted their homes for fear of attack. He claimed that all 15 council wards in Gwer-West are affected.
“They are not ordinary herdsmen. They speak Fulfulde and chant ‘Allahu Akbar’ during attacks,” Abomtse said.
Mounting Calls for U.S. Intervention
Chief Abomtse urged the United States to collaborate with Nigerian authorities to carry out similar operations in parts of the Middle Belt, including Benue, Plateau, Kogi and Taraba States.
“If this killing of Christians in the Middle Belt is to stop, the international community, especially the United States must help dislodge these armed groups hiding in forests and riverine areas,” he said.
Council Chairman Decries Military Inaction
Gwer-West County Chairman, Victor Ormin, also expressed concern over what he described as the inaction of security forces.
“These armed Fulani militia, posing as herdsmen, are present in all the 15 wards,” Ormin said. “I have repeatedly briefed the military commander in charge of the area, but nothing has changed. I am heading to the headquarters of the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi to formally brief Operation Whirl Stroke”, he told TruthNigeria.
In Agatu Local Government Area (county), residents recounted alleged attacks and destruction of livelihoods.
Community leaders Iyu Goche (from Odejo village) and Edor Seidu (Olegobidu village) in Agatu County told TruthNigeria that several communities are affected.
“They are occupying Odejo, Olegobidu, Odugbeho, Ugboju, Ogbaulu, Okokolo, Akwu and Adagbo in Agatu, extending to Ikobi, Ijaha and Ochumekwu in Apa,” they said.
According to them, residents have been attacked with machetes, animals stolen and crops destroyed or fed to cattle.
“They want to provoke us into reacting so they can justify more killings, but we have restrained ourselves. Please tell the world, especially the President of the United States, about our plight,” they said in joint statement.
Agatu County Chairman, Melvin James Ejeh, confirmed the presence of armed groups in the country, insisting they are not legitimate herders.
“The genuine Fulani herdsmen respected our directives and stayed away. Those currently in Agatu are armed terrorists,” he said. “I have briefed all security agencies. Anyone collaborating with them will be dealt with according to the law”, Melvin told TruthNigeria.
As residents await decisive action, many villages remain largely deserted, their farmlands abandoned at the peak of the harvesting season.
Ekani Olikita is a Conflict Reporter for TruthNigeria.
