Over 17 Benue LGAs under attack by armed Herdsmen — Benue Govt

The Benue State Government has raised alarm that more than 17 local government areas in the state are currently under attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen.

This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, during an interaction with journalists in Makurdi.

According to him, only Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Konshisha, Gboko, Ushongo, and one other local government have not been affected by the ongoing violence.

Iorpuu lamented that the persistent attacks have left hundreds of thousands of residents displaced, homeless, and financially incapacitated.

He further urged the Federal Government to dredge the Rivers Benue and Niger to prevent recurring flooding across the country, warning that failure to do so would make it an annual disaster.

The BSEMA boss noted that the recently concluded Conference of State Emergency Management Agencies in Lagos had broadened the perspectives of emergency managers across Nigeria.

Speaking on governance, Iorpuu praised Governor Hyacinth Alia’s leadership, stating that he had exceeded expectations since assuming office.

He dismissed claims by an independent assessor that the governor’s performance was average, describing such reports as inaccurate.

“For the governor to have not borrowed money from any financial institution since assumption of office is a clear indication of purposeful leadership and accountability,” he said.