By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Gwer-East and Gwer-West Local Government Areas, LGAs of Benue State, warning of a growing loss of public confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.

In a resolution at the end of its meeting on April 6, 2026, in Makurdi signed by the FoTA National President, Prof. Patrick Ukase and Secretary, Prof. John Ajai, the group described the pattern of violence in the affected areas as troubling, citing weak response mechanisms and increasing threats to residents.

FoTA specifically referenced the recent attack on Mbalom community in Gwer-East LGA which it said highlighted critical lapses in security operations. “The recent attack on Mbalom community stands as a painful reminder of this failure. Lives were lost under circumstances that, by available accounts, were not entirely unforeseen,” the communiqué stated.

According to them “There were prior warnings and intelligence signals. Yet the attack occurred. This raises a fundamental question: What is the value of intelligence if it does not translate into prevention?”

The Forum also drew attention to what it described as a more complex and deeply rooted crisis in Gwer-West, where residents reportedly live under constant threat despite returning to their ancestral homes.

According to FoTA, armed herders have allegedly taken over community lands, grazing cattle freely and imposing restrictions on local farmers. “Of particular concern is the claim that farmers must seek permission from herders before accessing their own land. If accurate, this points to a serious erosion of lawful authority. It suggests that control over land and economic activity is shifting from the state to non-state actors.”

FoTA warned that such a situation undermines not only agricultural productivity but also the fundamental rights and dignity of citizens. “No responsible government should allow a situation in which citizens negotiate access to their own land out of fear,” it added.

The Forum called on the Benue State Government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive, visible action to restore security in the affected areas.

“The people of Gwer-East and Gwer-West require protection that they can see and trust,” the statement emphasized.
It also stressed the need for strict enforcement of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2018, warning that continued violations without consequences weaken both the law and public trust.

“Laws that are not enforced lose meaning. When that happens, public trust weakens,” FoTA cautioned.

At the grassroots level, the Forum urged the Council Chairmen of Gwer-East and Gwer-West LGAs to strengthen collaboration, particularly in intelligence gathering and sharing, to improve early warning systems and response efforts.

“Effective collaboration at this level will improve early warning, support timely response, and strengthen security within their areas,” it noted, adding that poor coordination could further expose communities to danger.

FoTA warned that “the cost of inaction is not abstract. It is measured in displaced families, disrupted farming cycles, lost income, and rising fear,” the communiqué stated.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice, accountability, and human dignity, the Forum said it would continue to monitor developments and hold authorities accountable. “Public authority must retain meaning. If it fails in moments such as this, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate communities affected,” the group warned.