…Farming Paralysed, Schools Shut as Communities Cry for Urgent Intervention
Communities in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State have raised alarm over worsening insecurity, mass displacement, and alleged land encroachment, calling on both state and federal authorities to take urgent action to halt the escalating crisis.
The residents say no fewer than five out of the 11 wards in the council are currently under siege and completely deserted, with thousands displaced and normal life ground to a halt.
The distress call follows recent attacks, including an assault on Ankpali-Edikwu and neighbouring communities about two weeks ago, where at least 13 persons were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen.
Findings reveal that entire communities—from Amoke along the express road to Ukpogo village, spanning about 10 kilometres—have been abandoned, with residents unable to access their homes or farmlands.
A visit to affected areas showed widespread devastation, with settlements such as Ukpogo, Olijamu, and Ankpali-Edikwu lying desolate, while public infrastructure has been destroyed.
Community leader and activist, Nelson Owoicho, described the situation as “a collapse of normal life,” lamenting that farming—the backbone of the local economy—has completely ceased.
“Before now, this period was marked by intense farming activities. Today, everything has stopped. People cannot feed themselves, and homes built over years have been abandoned,” he said.
Owoicho noted that once-thriving communities known for producing garri, pepper, and other crops have become economically paralysed due to persistent attacks, warning that insecurity has also discouraged investment and development efforts.
He called for the immediate deployment of security personnel and establishment of security outposts to enable displaced residents return to their homes and farms as the planting season begins.
Echoing similar concerns, another community leader, Benard Ekah, disclosed that over 20,000 persons have been displaced, while five wards remain under siege.
“Apa LGA headquarters has effectively become an IDP camp. We urgently need a police post or military base to protect our people,” he said.
Residents also appealed to international organisations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF, for humanitarian assistance.
Community elders, including Damian Oklogo and Omafu Musa—who lost his only son in one of the attacks—recounted failed attempts at peaceful coexistence with herders, alleging coordinated assaults on their communities.
They further decried the absence of security presence, claiming that no police personnel have been deployed to some of the worst-hit areas.
Other residents, including Omili Ogechi and Joe Igege, alleged cases of violence against women, worsening the humanitarian situation and forcing more families to flee.
The crisis has also disrupted education, as children are unable to return to school due to insecurity and the destruction of facilities, with teachers reportedly unwilling to accept postings to the area.
Residents warned that failure to restore peace, particularly in Apa and neighbouring Agatu LGA, could deepen food insecurity and economic hardship across the region.
They stressed that urgent intervention is critical to reviving livelihoods, restoring confidence, and preventing further displacement.
