By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The lawmaker representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, has raised alarm over renewed deadly attacks in Kwande Local Government Area LGA, of Benue state, warning that the worsening insecurity could turn parts of the area into a major security hotspot if urgent action is not taken.

Recall that in the last four days Abande and Anwase communities in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan of Kwande LGA were attacked by suspected armed herders leading to the deaths of scores and injury of many. The attackers also looted and razed markets in the communities.

Ugbor noted that the coordinated attacks by herdsmen and bandits in recent days led to the killing of innocent residents, displacement of thousands, and widespread fear across affected communities.

The lawmaker in a statement issued weekend pointed out that “over the last few days, Kwande LGA has again come under gruesome attacks, leading to the killing of innocent citizens, the terrorisation of communities and the displacement of thousands, who are now living as internally displaced persons.”

He noted that the violence in Kwande was not new, recalling that border communities in the area had suffered repeated attacks for more than 15 years, resulting in hundreds of deaths and massive displacement, with little progress in rebuilding affected communities.

According to him, the Turan and Ikyurav-ya axis, which borders Taraba State and Cameroon, were fast emerging safe haven for criminal and terrorist elements due to its vast landmass and mountainous terrain.

“If left unchecked, this area risks becoming a major security hotspot that would be extremely difficult to contain,” Ugbor warned.

The federal lawmaker also identified illegal mining activities and the discovery of precious mineral deposits as key factors fueling criminality and worsening insecurity in the area.

In a set of far-reaching proposals aimed at restoring peace in Kwande and Benue state at large, Ugbor called on the Benue state government to immediately support the activation of a Border Patrol Unit already approved by the Inspector-General of Police.

He also urged the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) and the state government to develop the Cameroon border area into an Export Processing Zone, complete with security formations including immigration, military, customs and DSS units.

“The border must be properly developed and secured to stabilise security in the state and unlock economic opportunities for our people,” he said.

Ugbor further called on the National Boundary Commission to fast-track the demarcation of internal boundaries between Benue and Taraba States, alongside the resettlement of displaced persons to their ancestral lands.

On mining activities, he advocated a total ban on illegal mining in Kwande, insisting that all Community Development Agreements must be reviewed and affected communities adequately compensated for environmental degradation.

He also urged the Federal Government to recruit local youths into forest guards and other security agencies, while calling on the Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to mobilise funding for the construction of resettlement homes, schools and hospitals for displaced persons.

The lawmaker disclosed that he had consistently raised the issue of insecurity in Benue on the floor of the National Assembly and through public advocacy.

“As a legislator, I will not stop pushing until peace is returned to the entire state,” Ugbor said, adding that he had supported community policing initiatives and donated motorcycles, security kits and a temporary border police station to enhance security in he area.

He reaffirmed his readiness to work with all arms of government to implement the proposed measures and restore lasting peace to the area.

The lawmaker also highlighted recent approvals for key federal institutions in Kwande/Ushongo constituency, including a National Open University Study Centre, a Federal Medical Centre, and research institutions, expressing optimism that the area would soon emerge as a hub for development.