Residents of several communities in Ondo, Benue, Nasarawa, and Edo states are reeling from deadly attacks by suspected armed herders, sparking widespread outrage and protests.
A total of 30 people were reportedly killed in the series of attacks across the three states, with communities calling for urgent government intervention.
Nine surveyors were reportedly kidnapped in Ondo, while two residents were abducted, and four others suffered gun and machete wounds in Edo.
Ondo Attacks and Protest
In Ondo, enraged women took to the streets of Akure on Monday, following the abduction of nine surveyors and the killings of villagers in Akure North Local Government Area.
Armed assailants reportedly stormed the communities of Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun, in the Akure North Local Government Area, at the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction and bloodshed.
Authorities have so far recovered at least 14 bodies, while search efforts continued, with a report that 20 villagers were killed.
Benue and Nasarawa Unrest
In Benue, violent protests erupted in Naka, headquarters of Gwer West Local Government, after three members of the state’s Civil Protection Guards were ambushed and killed by suspected herders.
The discovery of their bodies early Tuesday sparked a rampage by angry youths, who torched the palace of the local traditional ruler and parts of the local government secretariat.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, urging security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice while calling for restraint among residents.
In Nasarawa State, a communal clash in the Farin Dutse community escalated into a full-blown crisis, leaving at least seven people dead, including a pregnant woman.
The conflict, which began as a dispute between local farmers and herders, quickly spiraled out of control, with houses, shops, and vehicles set ablaze.
The police have, however, arrested two suspects in connection with the violence, with security patrols in the area to prevent further bloodshed.
Government Response and Regent’s Disagreement
The Ondo State governor and the regent of one of the affected communities in the weekend killing, Ademekun Community, Princess Kemisola Adelowo, disagreed over the killing in the border communities on Saturday.
The government, in a statement on Monday signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Gbenga Atiba, described the media report on the killings as fake news meant to create panic among the residents of the state.
On Tuesday, Atiba, on a radio programme in Akure, also dismissed the statement of the regent, insisting that the incident never happened as reported.
However, the regent refuted these claims, stating that the attacks were real and had caused severe losses in her community.
Possible Solutions to the Herdsmen Attacks and Insecurity
The rising violence and insecurity in Ondo, Benue, and Nasarawa call for urgent and strategic solutions. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach that combines security, governance, and community engagement. Below are some possible solutions:
1. Strengthened Security and Law Enforcement
- Increased Military and Police Presence: The government should deploy more security personnel, including the military, to protect vulnerable communities and respond swiftly to attacks.
- Intelligence-Driven Policing: Security agencies should enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, and early warning systems to prevent attacks before they happen.
- Special Security Task Force: Establishing a dedicated task force to tackle herdsmen-related violence will ensure a focused and strategic response to the crisis.
- Community Policing: Strengthening local vigilante groups and integrating them into formal security frameworks will help improve security at the grassroots level.
2. Conflict Resolution and Dialogue
- Government-Mediated Talks: The federal and state governments should organize peace talks between herders and local communities to address grievances and foster peaceful coexistence.
- Disarmament and Amnesty Programs: A well-planned disarmament initiative for armed herders, coupled with an amnesty program for those willing to surrender weapons, could reduce violence.
- Establishment of Grazing Reserves: Instead of open grazing, which often leads to conflict, the government should establish designated ranches and grazing reserves for herders.
3. Legislation and Policy Reforms
- Enforcement of Anti-Open Grazing Laws: States with anti-open grazing laws should enforce them strictly, while others should consider implementing similar policies to prevent conflicts.
- Stronger Punishment for Perpetrators: The government must ensure that criminals, including violent herdsmen, face the full weight of the law. Speedy trials and convictions will serve as a deterrent.
- Compensation for Victims: Victims of attacks should receive financial aid and support from the government to help them rebuild their lives.
4. Economic Empowerment and Alternative Livelihoods
- Modern Ranching System: The government should invest in modern ranching methods and provide herders with the necessary resources to transition from nomadic herding to commercial ranching.
- Job Creation for Youths: Many youths are drawn into crime due to unemployment. Investing in skill acquisition programs and job creation initiatives can reduce their involvement in violence.
- Support for Farmers: Farmers affected by attacks should be provided with agricultural support, including seeds, fertilizers, and financial aid to recover their losses.
5. Community Engagement and Awareness
- Strengthening Inter-Ethnic Relations: Encouraging inter-community engagements and promoting cultural understanding between farmers and herders can help reduce tensions.
- Media and Public Awareness: Public enlightenment campaigns on peaceful coexistence, conflict resolution, and the dangers of violence can help address long-standing prejudices.
- Traditional and Religious Leaders’ Involvement: Community leaders should play a role in preventing conflicts and resolving disputes before they escalate.
The ongoing crisis requires urgent intervention from the government, security agencies, and local communities.
A combination of strong security measures, effective governance, economic reforms, and community involvement can help curb the violence and restore peace in affected regions.
The government must act decisively to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of property.
