Tension in Benue as Suspected Armed Herdsmen Infiltrate Through Border Communities 

Residents of several communities in Benue State are living in fear following reports of the movement of suspected armed herdsmen and large herds of cattle into parts of Logo and Gwer West Local Government Areas.

Local sources in Logo LGA said the suspected herdsmen were seen entering Tombo Council Ward from Awe and Keana Local Government Areas of neighbouring Nasarawa State. According to residents, the group moved in from different directions with large numbers of cattle, raising serious security concerns.

Some of the suspected armed men were said to have settled on the outskirts of Gidin-Mangor village, while others were reportedly passing through abandoned settlements and forests in search of hiding places. Residents said the movements began before Christmas but have intensified in recent weeks.

Affected forest areas were identified as Yashina Debo and Ashaku forests in Mbaiwen Clan, Ijor Tsafa forest in Mbazar Clan, Agyo forest, and several deserted villages within the axis. Community members expressed concern that the presence of armed men around forests and abandoned settlements close to residential areas poses a serious threat to lives and property.

The situation has reportedly disrupted daily activities, with many residents limiting movement out of fear of possible attacks. Social and economic activities within Tombo Council Ward have also been affected as tension continues to rise.

There were unverified claims that some of the individuals may be fleeing security operations or violent activities in other regions, possibly linked to recent counterterrorism actions outside the state.

Residents appealed to security agencies to urgently deploy more personnel to the area, stressing that Tombo Council Ward shares borders with Nasarawa and Taraba states, which are often used as transit routes by criminal elements. They warned that failure to act promptly could lead to a serious breakdown of law and order.

A similar atmosphere of fear has been reported in Tse Ati community in Mbabuande, Gwer West Local Government Area, where residents on Monday noticed the movement of suspected armed herdsmen in large numbers. A community leader said although no attack had occurred, the situation was alarming and required immediate security intervention.

Efforts to get a response from the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.