Nigeria: BEDA Raises Alarm as Militia Seize 20 of 23 LGAs in Benue State While Tinubu Remains Silent

The Benue Democratic Ambassadors (BEDA) have raised alarm over relentless militia attacks in Benue State, Nigeria. The group questioned the government’s inaction as militias, suspected to be armed herdsmen, continue to terrorise communities.

Speaking at a press briefing in Makurdi, BEDA’s National President, Daniel Pila, said more than 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the state have been overrun by the attackers. He described the situation as a full-blown siege and condemned what he called the government’s silence and inaction.

Pila also expressed concern over the recent attack on Aondona, the hometown of the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Revd Wilfred Anagbe. The attack, which reportedly claimed many lives, came just days after the bishop addressed the U.S. House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, where he spoke on the worsening security crisis in Benue and other parts of Nigeria.

Fresh attacks on Sunday, June 1, left dozens dead in Gwer West and Apa LGAs. Gunmen stormed Tse Antswam, a suburb of Naka in Gwer West, around 7 p.m., opening fire on residents. Reports say many were killed, including a local pastor. At the same time, another group attacked Edikwu Ankpali in Apa LGA, killing at least 25 people, according to local sources.

Although the Benue State Police Command has not released an official statement, Timothy Kume, Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), confirmed the incidents. He said the frequency of the killings makes it challenging to keep up with the numbers.

It’s not that I don’t have the figure, but the one I have is old; as you know, the attack is happening nearly every day,” Kume told Punch.

A statement by Amnesty International on Monday, June 2, revealed that at least 85 people have been killed in the state within one week. The group said 42 people were killed in earlier attacks in Gwer West, in addition to the 25 in Apa.

Despite repeated calls for help, the government has remained silent. Residents say they live in fear, with no protection from security agencies. The violence has deepened frustration among residents, and many communities are now deserted.

BEDA has called for urgent intervention from the federal government and the international community as the crisis is spiralling out of control.

Read More: Nigeria: Armed Militia Attacks Benue, 85 Killed in One Week, 43 in Latest Attack

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