By Nnasom David

Dr. Raymond Edoh, a prominent voice for peace and human rights, calls upon the Federal Government of Nigeria and the international community to take urgent action to protect the people of Benue State from escalating violence and persistent attacks by alleged Fulani herdsmen that has led to killings of hundreds of people in the state.

This plea follows the recent horrific massacre of approximately 200 innocents in Yelwata, an incident that has brought the precarious situation of the local populace to international attention.

The recent attacks are not singular; they are part of a protracted history of violence that has plagued the region and led to untold suffering among the local communities. The recurring cycle of violence can be traced back to longstanding disputes between farmers and herders over land and resources, exacerbated by environmental changes and socio-political factors. Over the past several years, the frequency of these attacks has increased, leading to widespread displacement and fear among the residents of Benue State.

The government’s failure to provide adequate security and protection to these communities has further compounded the situation. As Dr. Edoh puts it, “Enough is enough. The people of Benue are helpless; they cannot defend themselves, primarily because the law prohibits them from possessing arms and ammunition for self-defence. The lack of protection from the government has turned them into sitting ducks.” In many cases, it has been observed that those benefiting from governmental positions are seldom targeted; instead, it is the local, vulnerable communities that bear the brunt of the violence. 

The violence in Benue State dates back several years, but it has intensified markedly since 2017, leading to thousands of deaths and displacements. The conflict arose from competition over land between predominantly  farmers and mainly  Fulani herdsmen, leading to tragic consequences. The local population, reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods, finds it increasingly difficult to farm their land due to fear of attack. Consequently, children cannot attend school, and families lack access to health facilities, leaving them at the mercy of the attackers.

According to a report by Amnesty International, over 3,000 people were killed in herder-farmer conflicts in Nigeria in 2018 alone  and the situation has only worsened. The perception that the government is siding with the herders has outraged the locals, resulting in a deepening mistrust of state authority.

The helplessness of the local population is evident; families are unable to send their children to school for fear of ambush, and women are terrified to venture out to fetch water or food. Health facilities lie abandoned as healthcare workers flee for their safety; this is a direct violation of their human rights. The Government’s inability to offer a haven or protection signifies a lack of commitment to the wellbeing of the Benue people.

Dr. Edoh’s call is not merely one of desperation; it is a clarion call for justice and humanitarian support. “We must urge the Nigerian government to take calculated measures to protect these innocent lives.

“The urgency of this situation requires a multi-faceted approach, involving security agencies, humanitarian aid, and regional support. The recent attacks in Yelwata serve as a stark reminder that the status quo is untenable, and immediate governmental action is essential”.

Furthermore, Dr. Edoh is appealing not just to local authorities but also to the international community. “The world is watching. We need their support now more than ever. The Benue people do not have the means to fight back; they require international advocacy and protection to ensure their safety,” he stated.

He advocates for the United Nations and non-governmental organisations to intervene and provide much-needed resources and security assurances to the beleaguered communities pointing out that Previous experiences in similar conflicts around the globe show that international pressure can lead to significant changes

“The absence of meaningful governmental response has left the Benue people vulnerable, and the international community can play a vital role in ensuring their safety”.

Dr. Edoh highlights that the people of Benue are citizens entitled to their rights and they should not be abandoned because of internal conflicts or lack of resources.

“To ensure peace and security in Benue, it is imperative that the Federal Government address the underlying systemic issues. This includes equitable resource allocation, creating dialogue platforms between farmers and herders, and ensuring actionable steps towards conflict resolution. Security agencies need to be reinvigorated with the mandate and resources to effectively protect vulnerable communities without prejudice”, Edoh suggested.

Moreover, Dr. Edoh proposes a comprehensive approach that involves economic support for local farmers to rebuild their livelihoods.

“As attacks continue, reliance on agricultural output diminishes which can have wider implications for food security and sustainability throughout Nigeria. Sustainable development initiatives aimed at promoting peace and co-existence should be paramount, and it is crucial that the government invests in building bridges between conflicting groups.

“The recent tragic events in Yelwata underscore a reality that demands immediate attention and action from both the Nigerian government and the international community. The people of Benue deserve to live free from fear of violence, with access to education, healthcare, and an opportunity to work their land in peace. The Federal Government must act decisively to protect its citizens, while the international community must stand in solidarity to advocate for human rights and humanitarian support.

“It is high time we hold the government accountable for their negligence and remind the world that the lives of the Benue people matter,” Dr. Raymond Edoh reiterates