Farmers in Adogo, a settlement under Ugbaam Council Ward in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, have reportedly abandoned their homes after armed herdsmen allegedly stormed the area, destroying farmlands and grazing cattle on cultivated crops.
The latest assault has plunged the agrarian community into fear, with residents fleeing to neighbouring villages to escape possible attacks.
Community leader, Chief Aule Gba, who confirmed the incident, said the incursion had crippled agricultural activity not only in Adogo but in adjoining communities.
“Most farmers have fled and relocated for fear of being attacked and killed by militia herdsmen,” he lamented.
Gba alleged that the attackers deliberately uprooted crops such as cassava to feed their cattle, insisting the act was intentional and aimed at crippling livelihoods.
He added that the continued influx of armed herders into Benue communities has not been adequately tackled by government and security authorities, leaving residents exposed.
“The illegal migration of suspected armed herdsmen into certain parts of the state has not been adequately addressed. This leaves communities exposed and at constant risk of attacks,” he said.
The traditional leader called on the Benue Security Council to urgently strengthen its approach to tackling rural violence and consider partnering federal defence agencies for more robust operations.
He recommended air surveillance and tactical deployments to hard-to-reach forested hideouts where attackers are believed to operate, noting that poor road access and weak communication networks hinder rapid security response.
Gba warned that without decisive action, the state may witness more destruction of farmlands and loss of lives.
“Incessant attacks have made it unsafe for farmers to return to their fields, posing a looming food security threat,” he said.
Residents also complained that security patrols in the affected areas were limited due to the rugged terrain, a situation they claimed emboldened the attackers.
Villagers appealed to the state government and security agencies to intervene urgently and restore peace.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful at press time.