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Sunday, 16 February 2025 04:55

Coalition reports widespread killings in parts of Benue state

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The Coalition of Sankera Elites (CSE) has reported widespread violence in Benue state's Sankera region, which encompasses the Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas. According to the coalition's leader Job Tiza, armed attacks have resulted in over 1,000 deaths and affected more than 2,000 villages, with property damage estimated in the billions of Naira.

The situation has led to mass displacement, with residents fleeing to IDP camps and seeking refuge with relatives in other communities. Six council wards in Ukum Local Government, representing approximately half of the area's population, have been completely displaced since July 2023.

Recent violent incidents include:

- March 9, 2024: 68 people killed in Gbagir, Tyuluv Council Ward

- August 11, 2024: Over 80 fatalities in Ayati and Borikyo Council Ward

- October 19, 2024: 14 people killed in Anyiin town

- November 24, 2024: 17 fatalities in Azege settlement

The coalition emphasized that Sankera, known as Benue's agricultural heartland, faces a severe food security crisis as farmers cannot access their lands. They have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to:

- Deploy security forces to reclaim occupied territories

- Establish a military barracks in Ukum LGA

- Complete the Mobile Police barracks construction in Anyiin

- Provide emergency relief through NEMA for displaced residents

In response, the Governor's office, through Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, has stated that the current administration has achieved relative peace compared to previous periods.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​