Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has raised concerns over ongoing attacks by armed herders in six local government areas of the state. Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, the governor described the attacks as “deliberate and calculated.”

The affected areas, according to Alia, include Apa, Agatu, Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, and Kwande. He explained that his administration inherited a severe security situation, with 17 local governments under siege when he took office nearly two years ago. Through concerted efforts, the number of areas under heavy attack was reduced to nine, and currently, six remain seriously affected.

“In the beginning, 17 LGAs were facing violent attacks. We’ve managed to cut that down to nine, and now six are actively under siege,” Alia stated. “The situation remains most severe in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Gwer West.”

The governor explained that the conflict is rooted in the destruction of farmland by herders who no longer have traditional grazing routes due to population growth and land use changes. “Benue is an agrarian state, and farmland is our livelihood. As these herders graze through, they destroy our crops and livelihoods,” he said.

He described the assailants as heavily armed and strategic in their approach. “These attackers arrive armed with AK-47s and AK-49s, often dressed in plain clothes, staying hidden in the bush until they strike and retreat. Afterward, other groups move in to take over the vacated areas,” Alia added.

The governor also highlighted the escalating violence in Otukpo, where the nature of attacks has shifted to kidnappings and ransom demands. “These incidents in Otukpo are deeply troubling. Victims are abducted, and large sums are demanded for their release,” he said.

He reiterated that the attacks across these regions were not random but part of a coordinated effort aimed at both destruction and occupation.