Women protest killings of farmers in Benue, demand government intervention
Women in Jato Aka town, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, trooped out and staged a peaceful protest on Saturday.
This is sequel to series of attacks and killings of innocent farmers in Kwande communities by suspected herdsmen.
According to Lawrence Akerigba, a community leader, the protest was aimed at expressing their concerns over the persistent killings of residents by suspected armed herdsmen.
Jato Aka, located in Turan ward of Kwande LGA, has witnessed repeated attacks over the past month, leading to the deaths of several farmers.
The inhabitants of Turan ward have reportedly abandoned their ancestral settlements for over 17 years due to sustained violence.
The protesting women, many of whom are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), marched around a military truck park and the deserted Jato Aka market, the hometown of the late Minister of Power and Steel Development, Paul Unongo.
Kwande LGA is widely regarded as the ancestral home of the Tiv Nation in Benue State.
The women, while chanting songs and waving green leaves, called on the Federal Government to intervene in the worsening humanitarian crisis.
Their demands included immediate government action to halt the killings, a thorough investigation into the crisis, and an increased security presence in the affected communities to prevent further attacks.
They also appealed for urgent humanitarian aid for IDPs who have been displaced by the prolonged violence.
“The army deployed are currently residing in Jato aka main market should be redeploy to the affected community of Turan where these killings are going on daily basis and not to stay in Jato Aka Market harrassing the IDPs.”
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has urged the people of Kwande Local Government Area, particularly the protesting women, to remain calm as his administration intensifies efforts to restore peace in the region.
In a statement issued by, Sir Kulas Tersoo, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Alia expressed deep concern over the continued attacks on Kwande communities by armed herdsmen. He questioned why Kwande and Ukum have become recent targets despite relative peace being recorded in other parts of the state.
Governor Alia assured the people of Kwande and Ukum of his government’s swift and decisive response, condemning the attackers and their collaborators as perpetrators of “remorseless barbarism” whose reign of terror will soon end.
“I share your pains, and I assure you that we will step up our response promptly. Read my lips—the remorseless barbarity of these assailants and their sponsors will soon be a thing of the past,” he vowed.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to Kwande, Ukum, and the entire state. He further insisted that his government has never abandoned the affected communities and will continue to protect them. He pledged to rid Benue State of armed herdsmen attacks.
Governor Alia also sympathized with victims of the recent violence and urged security agencies to intensify their efforts in apprehending those responsible.
He warned individuals attempting to exploit his name to incite controversy in Kwande and other parts of the state, cautioning them against actions that could disrupt peace. He reiterated his commitment to serving all Benue residents, particularly the vulnerable.
