From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Amnesty International, AI, has disclosed that over 2,000 deaths have been recorded in 100 attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen on 50 communities in Benue State between January till date.
Programme Manager of Amnesty in Nigeria, Babra Magaji, who gave the revelation in Makurdi while presenting findings from a research conducted by the organisation on the dynamics of attacks on communities in Benue and the attendant humanitarian condition of those affected, lamented that over 80 percent of the farming population had been displaced.
According to the research, the local government areas affected include Makurdi, Guma, Agatu, Gwer West, Logo, Kwande, Apa and Otukpo respectively.
She called on the Nigerian government to investigate the security lapses that warranted such attacks and killings, as well as fish out those whose responsibility is to protect lives and property in the affected places for possible punishment, appealing that it should equally pay special attention to how the conflict has affected children.
In his presentation, Governor Hyacinth Alia stated that his administration has adopted a systematic approach to ensure the safe return of those displaced back to their ancestral homes.
He announced that to demonstrate commitment, his administration had adopted durable solutions programme, a strategy which has allowed government to blend its roadmap with global practices in conflict resolutions, adding that his administration is working with the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, and other development partners to address the humanitarian situation.
According to him, his administration has equally intensified cooperation with security formations and the efforts informed the setting up of a naval base at the river bank to check attackers who use it as an entry point, adding that at the moment, his administration in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ shelter agenda of Mr President is constructing over 500 temporary housing units at Abagena for IDPs and expressed optimism that government would sustain advocacy for permanent solutions concerning the humanitarian crisis in the state.
