Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Residents of Borikyo community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State have raised the alarm over the reported movement of suspected armed herders in parts of the area, calling on security agencies to urgently intervene to prevent a possible attack. The residents alleged that the suspected armed men were sighted moving through Tse Iortseghen, Haachigh, Tse Tor, the residence of late Afuluka Dyodon, and Tse Nyamkume, triggering fear among farmers and other members of the community. The development, which occurred on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, has heightened tension in the community as residents fear the movement of the armed men could be a sign of a possible attack.
A youth leader in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the suspected armed men were carrying firearms and cutlasses while moving around farmlands, forcing some farmers to suspend their activities over fears of possible attacks. He further claimed that about eight armed individuals were sighted together at Tse Nyamkume, near Tse Adigi in Borikyo, with each allegedly carrying a firearm. The source said, “We have seen these armed men moving around our farmlands. They are carrying guns and cutlasses, and the entire community is living in fear. We appeal to security agencies to act before anything terrible happens”.
The residents urged the military, police and other security agencies to verify the report, intensify surveillance and increase patrols in the affected communities to ensure the safety of lives and property. Another resident appealed to government authorities not to ignore the warning signs, stressing that early intervention could prevent loss of lives and displacement of villagers. “We don’t want to wait until people are killed before security personnel respond. We are pleading for immediate action to protect our communities and our means of livelihood,” the resident said. They also advised community members to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement in isolated areas and farmlands, and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, said he was yet to receive any report on the development. The sighting comes amid heightened security concerns in Benue State, where several communities have suffered repeated attacks by suspected armed herders. On the night of Monday, August 3, 2026, suspected armed herders attacked Abaushwa community in Nzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, the hometown of former Governor Samuel Ortom, killing four residents and leaving several others injured. The attack, which occurred around midnight while residents were asleep, forced villagers to flee for safety and deepened the sense of vulnerability among rural communities in the state. The State Police Command confirmed the attack and said investigations were ongoing.
The repeated attacks have created an atmosphere of fear, forcing many farmers to abandon their lands and threatening the state's agricultural economy. The Borikyo community's appeal for early intervention reflects a growing frustration among residents who feel abandoned by security agencies. The recent sighting of armed individuals in the area has deepened fears that another attack may be imminent if security agencies do not act swiftly. The Benue State Government has consistently condemned the attacks and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property. However, residents argue that more proactive measures are needed to prevent attacks rather than responding after lives have been lost. As the community awaits a response from security agencies, farmers remain on edge, uncertain whether they can safely return to their farmlands.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments