Benue Fresh Attacks on Farmers Deepen Fear and Threaten Food Supply accros the nation.

Farming communities in Benue State are once again confronting a familiar and troubling reality: insecurity that strikes at the heart of their livelihoods. In Adogo, a rural settlement in Ukum Local Government Area, recent attacks blamed on suspected armed herders have not only wiped out crops but have also forced farmers off their land, raising renewed concerns about food production, rural safety, and the state’s ability to protect its agrarian population. What makes the latest incident particularly significant is not just the destruction of farmlands, but the speed with which fear has spread through the community. For residents who depend almost entirely on agriculture for survival, abandoning farms—even temporarily—can have devastating consequences. The situation in Adogo reflects a broader pattern across parts of Benue, where repeated violence linked to disputes over land use and grazing continues to undermine farming activities.

The attacks reportedly occurred in Adogo, within Ugbaam Council Ward of Ukum LGA. According to community sources, armed men believed to be herders invaded farmlands and destroyed crops valued at millions of naira. Cassava farms were among those affected, with crops allegedly uprooted or consumed by cattle brought into the area.The assault came without warning, residents said, triggering panic and forcing many farmers to flee. Some families reportedly left their homes entirely, relocating to safer nearby communities or staying with relatives while they assess the risk of returning. A respected community leader, Chief Aule Gba, confirmed the incident and described the impact as severe. He explained that farming activities in Adogo and surrounding villages had been effectively brought to a halt. According to him, the fear of further attacks has driven many farmers away from their fields, disrupting both current harvests and preparations for the next planting cycle.

For farmers in Adogo, the destruction goes beyond financial loss. Crops such as cassava are not only cash crops but also staples for household consumption. Losing them means reduced income, food shortages, and deeper vulnerability for families already operating on thin margins. Residents say the psychological toll has been heavy. The sight of armed men moving freely through farmlands has heightened anxiety, particularly among women and older farmers who are less able to flee quickly in the event of an attack. Many now avoid venturing far from their homes, even during daylight hours. Chief Gba noted that the attacks have created a climate of uncertainty. Farmers who would normally be preparing their land or tending crops are now weighing the risk to their lives against the need to earn a living. In his words, people are “relocating out of fear of being attacked and killed,” a situation he warned could worsen if left unaddressed.

Benue State, often described as Nigeria’s “food basket,” has for years been at the center of violent clashes involving farmers and herders. The state’s fertile land attracts both crop farmers and pastoralists, but competition over land and water resources—compounded by climate pressures, population growth, and the proliferation of small arms—has repeatedly escalated into violence.

Ukum LGA, located in the Sankera axis of Benue, has experienced periodic security challenges over the past decade. Communities in this area are largely agrarian, cultivating crops such as yam, cassava, maize, and soybeans. Any disruption to farming activities here has ripple effects beyond the local economy, affecting food supply chains within and outside the state. In response to past violence, Benue enacted anti-open grazing legislation aimed at regulating livestock movement and reducing clashes. While the law has been praised by some farming communities, enforcement has remained uneven, particularly in remote areas with difficult terrain and limited security presence. The Adogo incident appears to underscore these enforcement gaps. According to community accounts, the attackers were able to move through farms with little resistance, suggesting either an absence of security patrols or delayed response capacity.

This have troll more light on Claims of illegal migration and security gaps in the state 

Chief Gba attributed the renewed violence to what he described as unchecked movement of armed herders into parts of Benue State. He argued that authorities have not adequately addressed the issue of armed groups entering rural communities, leaving residents exposed. His comments reflect a common grievance among farmers in the region, who often complain that early warning signs—such as the arrival of unfamiliar armed groups or cattle grazing on cultivated land—are ignored until violence erupts. In Adogo, residents say there were no visible preventive measures before the farms were attacked. The terrain in Ukum LGA further complicates security efforts. Many villages are connected by poor road networks, making rapid deployment of security forces difficult. Limited mobile phone coverage in forested areas also hampers communication during emergencies, allowing attackers to exploit these weaknesses. Community members say these conditions have emboldened armed groups, who operate with the confidence that response times will be slow. As a result, even the presence of law enforcement in nearby towns has not translated into a sense of safety for villagers working in remote farmlands.

In the wake of the attacks, community leaders have renewed calls for a comprehensive security review. Chief Gba urged the Benue State Security Council to rethink its current approach and consider closer collaboration with federal authorities, particularly the Ministry of Defence. He suggested that addressing violence in hard-to-reach areas may require more advanced capabilities, including aerial surveillance and tactical operations targeting forest hideouts. According to him, without proactive measures, attacks on farming communities are likely to continue. This call highlights a broader debate within Nigeria about the appropriate balance between state-level security initiatives and federal intervention. While states like Benue have established local security outfits and community vigilante groups, their capacity is often limited by funding, training, and access to equipment. Residents of Adogo say they are not necessarily demanding a permanent military presence, but rather a visible and responsive security framework that deters attacks and reassures farmers that they can safely return to their fields.

Beyond the immediate humanitarian impact, the attacks in Adogo raise concerns about food security. When farmers abandon their land, even temporarily, production drops. Over time, this can contribute to higher food prices and reduced availability of staple crops. Local farmers interviewed by community representatives expressed frustration that repeated incidents have made long-term planning nearly impossible. Some said they are reluctant to invest in seeds or labor when there is no guarantee they will be able to harvest. Chief Gba warned that the situation could escalate into a broader food crisis if left unchecked. He noted that Adogo and surrounding communities play a role in supplying food to local markets, and prolonged disruption could affect both rural and urban consumers. These concerns echo national conversations about the link between insecurity and rising food inflation. As farming becomes riskier in parts of the country, production shifts or declines, placing additional strain on already vulnerable households.

As of the time of reporting, there had been no official statement from the Benue State Police Command regarding the Adogo incident. Efforts to reach the police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful. The absence of an immediate response has added to residents’ frustration. Community members say clear communication from security agencies is crucial, even if investigations are ongoing. Without official updates, rumors and fear can spread quickly, further destabilizing affected areas. In past incidents across the state, delayed or muted official reactions have sometimes fueled perceptions that rural communities are being neglected. Adogo residents are hoping that this time, authorities will act swiftly to restore confidence. For now, many farmers remain displaced, waiting for assurances of safety before returning to their land. Community leaders are expected to continue engaging local government officials and security agencies in the coming days, pressing for patrols and preventive measures.

If the state responds with increased security presence and clear enforcement of existing laws, residents believe farming activities could gradually resume. However, without sustained action, there is concern that the attacks could become more frequent, pushing more families out of agriculture altogether. The situation in Adogo serves as a reminder that rural insecurity is not just a local issue but a national challenge with economic and social consequences. How authorities respond in the coming weeks may determine whether communities like Adogo can reclaim their fields—or whether fear will continue to define daily life in one of Nigeria’s key farming regions.