Benue State Commissioner for Information, Matthew Abo, and his counterpart from Plateau State, Joyce Ramnap, speak to GRACE EDEMA in separate interviews about the violent attacks by terrorists on the two northern states
How would you describe the resurgence of wanton killings in Benue State?
What’s happening in Benue is the activity of bandits, and it’s affecting almost every local government. We’ve had attacks in places like Nukum, Katsina-Ala, Otukpo, Gwer East, Logo, and several others. These are bandits, often in collaboration with armed herdsmen, who seem intent on grabbing land or causing unrest.
They come in forcefully, heavily armed, and attack local farmers and anyone they encounter during these aggressive operations. That’s the sad reality on the ground right now.
Do you have any idea of the number of casualties — people killed, injured, or even cattle lost?
Yes. In the most recent attack in Otukpo Local Government, specifically in Otobi Akpa, 10 people lost their lives. Many others were injured, and the governor immediately sent the Deputy Governor, the Commissioner of Police, and the Security Adviser to visit the affected community and console the families.
So, it’s not as though the victims have been abandoned — the government is engaging with them. Even though they’re mourning, the attention they’re receiving from the government is helping to ease their pain to some extent.
What is the government doing about it?
The Benue State Government, under the leadership of our reverend father and governor, is doing everything possible to bring the situation under control.
The challenge is that these attackers operate like guerrilla fighters — they strike when people are completely unprepared and then vanish before help can arrive. But despite these tactics, our security operatives are doing their best and working to stay on top of the situation.
That leads us to the role of the police. There’s a general concern that governors don’t have full control over the police. What’s your view on that, especially regarding Benue State?
While it’s true that governors don’t have complete control over the police, the Commissioner of Police in each state still works closely with the governor, who is the Chief Security Officer. In Benue State, the relationship between the governor and the Commissioner of Police is cordial and cooperative.
There’s no conflict between them. The police follow directives from the governor. For instance, during the recent incident in Otukpo, all the security agencies led by the Commissioner of Police moved quickly to restore peace. So, whatever may be happening in other states, here in Benue, the collaboration between the governor and the police is strong.
But to some people, the establishment of a local security outfit like Anyamyo could be seen as a sign that the police aren’t doing enough. What’s your take on that?
I understand that perception, especially given the scale of the attacks. But the reality is that these incidents are happening across several local government areas — over 12 of them at once. The government recognised that the conventional security forces, on their own, couldn’t cover all that ground effectively.
That’s why Anyamyo was created — to complement the police, military, and other agencies. This is more than just isolated violence; it’s a form of land grabbing by armed herdsmen, and the attacks are well-coordinated across multiple fronts. We needed a more localised, grassroots response, and that’s what Anyamyo provides.
Where are these attackers coming from? Are they indigenes of Benue?
No, they are not indigenes. Benue State is predominantly Christian. These attackers are invaders — foreign elements coming from places like Taraba State and even across the Cameroonian border.
There used to be Fulani communities living peacefully in Benue State without any issues. But recently, there’s been a massive influx of armed groups. Their mission appears to be to seize land from our people.
If it were only the original Fulani who had lived among us peacefully for years, there wouldn’t be this crisis. But now, new elements have arrived, and their intentions are clearly aggressive.
Shouldn’t this raise concerns about internal collaborators — those helping these outsiders settle in or attack communities? Who is helping these people get into our states?
You’re absolutely right. What you’re saying is true and deeply valid. But remember, security strategies aren’t discussed openly. I may not be able to share everything the government is planning, but I can assure you, the governor is on top of the situation. Very soon, this issue will be behind us.
I want to tell our people that, yes, the crisis is real, but some of what is being said is exaggerated. Unfortunately, the situation has been politicised. People who are against the governor are spreading misinformation, while those who support him tell a different story.
But for those who are not partisan, I urge you to trust the governor. He is deeply concerned about the situation and is doing everything possible to address it. No responsible leader would sit back while his people are being killed. He may not announce every move he’s making, but rest assured, plans are underway, and actions are being taken.
All I ask is that the people remain calm and give him a little time to implement his strategies. Peace will return to Benue State.
Has the state government gone to see how the survivors are coping?
So, it’s not as though the victims have been abandoned — the government is engaging with them. Even though they’re mourning, the attention they’re receiving from the government is helping to ease their pain to some extent.
Is there nothing the government can do to ensure that Fulani herdsmen stop attacking farmers and innocent people?
Honestly, we can categorise these attackers as terrorists, and we know how complex terrorism can be. It’s seriously affecting livelihoods. It happened in Maiduguri, and we all saw how it escalated there. Now, it’s not just Benue State — these kinds of attacks are happening in almost every state in Nigeria.
Look at what recently happened in Plateau State. So, the question is: how many security operatives do we have that can be everywhere at once to stop these people from striking? In the end, the government has to work hand-in-hand with security agencies, using intelligence and strategy, to find a lasting solution.
Otherwise, it’s going to remain a tough challenge.
But I must say, the government is really trying. Our governor — the reverend father — has not rested. It’s like he’s put aside every other matter in the state just to make sure this doesn’t keep happening. But he can’t do it alone. He can’t carry a gun and go into the bush himself.
What he can do, and is doing, is to provide every logistic and support the security forces need to maintain peace. He has never failed in that regard. Anytime something happens, he ensures immediate attention is given to restore peace. Yet, these attacks keep happening.
How would you rate their performance in addressing terrorism and insecurity in Benue State?
The security agencies are trying. Honestly. The Commissioner of Police, the military, and all those involved in operations are doing their best. But like I said earlier, the nature of these attacks makes it difficult — the attackers come in without notice. They strike when people least expect it, and before security forces can respond, the damage is already done and they’ve disappeared.
That’s why it seems like they’re not doing enough, but they are. It’s just that these are guerrilla-style tactics, and that makes the job of security agencies even harder. So yes, I would say they are doing their best under the circumstances.
