•Armed Fulani herdsmen
Tension has gripped residents of Dyom settlement , Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State following reports that armed Fulani herdsmen and bandits have seized control of farmlands and residential areas in the community .
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the herdsmen and the bandits have established strongholds within and around the community, frequently setting up camps close to residential homes and retreating into nearby farms whenever security operatives or members of the local vigilante outfit, Anyam Nyor, are sighted.
A resident, Terhile Uma, who spoke on phone with our correspondent, described the situation as unbearable and dangerous saying it’s creating tension, reports The Nation.
“Our house is close to Dyom settlement and whenever the herders hear that soldiers or Benue security outfit code named “Anyam Nyor” are around, they quickly leave our compound and hide in our farms.The suspected bandits and their boys are everywhere. We can’t eat, farm, or even move freely around our homes. What kind of wickedness is this?”
The resident further revealed that fear of reprisal attacks has silenced most villagers.
The bandits are said to be operating in the area in a similar way the late Terwase Agwaza, alias Gana, operated , imposing taxes on market days and assuming authorities.
Many families, according to reports, have abandoned their farms, while others remain trapped in their homes under constant fear of violence.
Local sources say the ongoing insecurity has crippled farming and market activities in the area, with food shortages and displacement on the rise.
Contacted, the Police Public Relations officer,PPRO Edem Edet, a DSP, said she was yet to get the reports.
Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the development at press time.
However, community leaders are calling for urgent intervention from both the Benue State government and the military authorities to restore peace and protect residents from further attacks.
