Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A lawmaker in Benue State has issued a stark warning that the 2027 general elections may not hold in parts of the state if the current wave of insecurity is not urgently addressed, underscoring deepening fears about governance, displacement, and democratic participation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Godwin Edoh, who represents Agatu State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, raised the alarm during a media briefing in Makurdi, painting a troubling picture of life in Agatu Local Government Area, where years of violent attacks have forced thousands from their homes and crippled economic activity.
Edoh said the persistent assaults, widely attributed to armed herders, have left many communities deserted, with residents fleeing to safer areas, particularly the local government headquarters in Obagaji. According to him, the scale of displacement has reached a level where entire hinterland settlements have been abandoned, making normal life nearly impossible.
He explained that despite a heavy security presence in Obagaji, including personnel from the Nigerian Air Force, the military, special police units, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, residents from surrounding villages have continued to relocate en masse to the town in search of safety. The influx has transformed the headquarters into a refuge for displaced populations, while vast rural areas remain empty and vulnerable.
The lawmaker noted that for more than four years, communities across Agatu have endured repeated attacks, resulting in the destruction of homes, public infrastructure, and means of livelihood. He stressed that farming and fishing, the primary economic activities in the area, have been severely disrupted, leaving families without income and increasing dependence on humanitarian support.
His warning focused particularly on the implications for Nigeria’s electoral process. Edoh said that if the security situation remains unchanged, it would be extremely difficult for the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct elections in the affected areas. He pointed out that many of the deserted communities are currently inaccessible due to safety concerns, raising doubts about the feasibility of deploying electoral personnel and materials.
The concern highlights a growing national debate about the intersection of insecurity and democratic governance. In regions like Agatu, where displacement is widespread and infrastructure has been damaged, the logistical challenges of organizing elections are compounded by fear among residents and officials alike.
Edoh also drew attention to the destruction of essential public services in the affected communities. Schools, markets, and primary healthcare centres have reportedly been damaged or completely wiped out during attacks, further deepening the humanitarian crisis. The loss of these facilities has not only disrupted daily life but also undermined long-term development prospects for the area.
While expressing concern over the situation, the lawmaker acknowledged recent efforts by the Benue State Government to address insecurity. He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for directing security agencies to intensify operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements from forested areas believed to serve as hideouts for attackers.
Edoh expressed cautious optimism that sustained implementation of the directive could help reduce the frequency of attacks and create conditions for displaced residents to return to their ancestral homes. However, he emphasized that any progress would depend on consistent and coordinated action by security forces.
The humanitarian dimension of the crisis remains acute. In recent weeks, hundreds of internally displaced persons in Obagaji staged protests, voicing frustration over their prolonged stay in camps and their inability to return to their communities. Many of the protesters said they had spent years away from their homes, struggling with limited access to food, shelter, and basic services.
Their demands included urgent intervention by both federal and state authorities to restore security in their communities and facilitate safe return. The protests underscored a growing sense of desperation among displaced populations, who say they have been largely forgotten despite the scale of their suffering.
Edoh echoed these concerns, urging authorities to include Agatu in ongoing housing schemes designed for internally displaced persons. He argued that providing durable housing solutions would be critical in helping affected families rebuild their lives and regain a sense of stability.
The situation in Agatu reflects broader patterns of insecurity across Benue State, which has long been a flashpoint for violence linked to disputes between farmers and herders. Over the years, these conflicts have intensified, with attacks becoming more frequent and more deadly, often involving well-armed groups.
Security experts say the persistence of violence in the region is driven by a complex mix of factors, including competition over land and water resources, climate pressures, and weak local governance structures. These underlying issues have made it difficult to achieve lasting peace, even as security operations continue.
The impact on agriculture has been particularly severe. As one of Nigeria’s key food-producing regions, Benue plays a critical role in national food security. However, the displacement of farmers and the abandonment of farmlands have disrupted production, raising concerns about potential shortages and rising food prices.
At the same time, the psychological toll on affected communities cannot be overlooked. Years of violence and displacement have left many residents traumatized, with limited access to mental health support. Children in particular face disruptions to their education and development, as schools remain closed or destroyed in many areas.
The warning by the Benue lawmaker adds to a growing chorus of voices calling for urgent action to address insecurity across Nigeria. As the country prepares for another election cycle, the ability to guarantee safety and ensure inclusive participation will be critical to maintaining public confidence in the democratic process.
For now, however, the reality in Agatu remains one of uncertainty. With villages deserted, livelihoods destroyed, and displaced families waiting for a chance to return home, the prospect of conducting elections in such conditions appears increasingly uncertain.
Edoh’s message is clear: without decisive intervention, insecurity in Agatu could not only continue to devastate communities but also undermine the foundations of democratic governance in the years ahead.
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