The resurgence of killer herdsmen in Benue State: What went wrong?

The barbaric massive killing of a 100 persons in Yelwata village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, on Saturday 14 June 2025 has drawn national and international attention and condemnation. Under the previous administration of Governor Samuel Ortom, alias the defender of Benue Valley, 5,138 persons lost their lives to herdsmen activities and crisis (Godfrey George and John Charles, Punch 14 March, 2023). 

The point is, from 2015 to June, 2025 the repeated herdsmen attacks under the current administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, might have put the number of deaths to a staggering figure of about 6,000 souls. This is brazenly a conflict and a war as Lewis Coser in A M. Adejo (2004), would have us know that: “conflicts come from the incompatibility of goals…a struggle over values and claims to scarce status, power and resources in which the aim of the opponent is to neutralize, injure or eliminate their rivals”. It appears the elimination of rivals (indigenous farmers and people) through killing and displacement for land acquisition is of course what has been going on in Benue communities. In this situation, the people and the government are not to sit idly or be decidedly adamant and ignorant, but to step up security architecture. 

The resurgence of the atrocities of what seems to be strange herdsmen in Benue State under the APC-led administration of Governor Alia, has raised serious concerns among analysts, commentators, civil societies, scholars, stakeholders and the general public about the effectiveness of the state’s security measures and the governor’s commitment to protecting the life and property of the citizens. The general opinion has severally noted that the species of Fulani causing havoc in the state are not the Nigerian type but that collaboration may not be absolutely ruled out. The killer species don’t move with cattle but come purely for attack. 

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One of the critical factors that lead to the resurgence of the conflict and carnage seems to be the alleged abandonment of anti-grazing laws and the colossal failure to put in place necessary security facilities and measures. Benue State had previously enacted the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law to regulate grazing activities and prevent conflicts between herders and crops farmers. The law seems to be a well-intentioned effort to address the root causes of the conflict and promote peaceful co-existence between the two groups (the previously known nonviolent local herdsmen and indigenous farmers). 

As a matter of fact, the lack of effective security measures has emboldened killer herdsmen to attack Tiv and Idoma communities in Guma, Gwer, Otukpo, Apa, Adoka, Okete and other part of Ohimini, Okpokwu, etc., leading to loss of life, destruction of properties and displacement of people. In short, the failure to establish ranches and provide adequate security created the ecosystem in which herders can freely move and attack farmers resulting to breakdown of law and order. 

Against the backdrop of the above Governor Alia’s administration has been criticised for its inability to protect the people of the state and prevent this attack under his watch. The governor’s response to the crisis has been questioned with many calling for more decisive action to address the root causes of the carnage instead of depending and waiting for FG deployment of security from Abuja. 

To competently combat this crisis, the state government must prioritise the implementation of Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, provide adequate security facilities, be proactive and take a responsive approach rather than simply reacting to attacks after they have occurred and as noted, engaging with local communities in finding lasting solutions. 

The point is, the wandering of animals from farm to farm is fundamentally obsolete and no longer practicable. The U.S. government noticed this and came up with a law in 1874 and intermittently ever since, both the herdsman and crop farmers were given incentive to do their businesses. 

In conclusion, the resurgence of the atrocities of killer herdsmen in Benue State, is a thing of serious concern that requires immediate action. The governor’s alleged abandonment or relapsing of anti-open grazing laws and the failure to provide the necessary security facilities no doubt fertilizes the ground for the crisis and the carnage. To arrest the ugly trend and restore peace and security, the governor must take decisive action to address the root causes of the conflict and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of his people. Except these are done in Benue State, the occasional and even repeated visit of the President, National Security Adviser and Service Chiefs, would amount to exercise in futility. 

Godwin O. Odeh, Ph.D., is a senior lecturer with the Department of History and International Studies, Sokoto State University, Nigeria, a Public Affairs Analyst, and the Editor, Satiru International Journal of Peace and Security Studies (A biannual publication of the Department).