The Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA) has sounded a strong warning over rising insecurity in Gwer-East and Gwer-West Local Government Areas of Benue State, citing fresh killings, land occupation, and weak law enforcement as signs of a deepening crisis threatening lives and livelihoods.

In a communiqué issued after its meeting on April 6, 2026, in Makurdi, the group said the situation has reached a critical point, with persistent attacks and fear steadily eroding public trust in government authority.

FoTA pointed to the deadly Easter Sunday attack on Mbalom community in Gwer-East, where several residents were killed. The forum described the incident as a grim reflection of ongoing security lapses, especially as intelligence reports had reportedly warned of the attack beforehand.

The academics questioned why such warnings failed to translate into timely action, stressing that intelligence gathering is meaningless without swift intervention to protect vulnerable communities.

Beyond the Mbalom tragedy, FoTA said Gwer-West is facing a growing security breakdown, particularly affecting residents who recently returned to their ancestral homes.

According to the group, suspected armed herders have allegedly taken over community lands, grazing cattle freely and creating an atmosphere of fear. With the farming season beginning, many farmers are reportedly unable to access their lands without intimidation.

More troubling, FoTA revealed allegations that some farmers are now forced to seek permission from herders before entering their own farmlands a development it described as unacceptable and dangerous.

“No responsible government should allow citizens to negotiate access to their own land out of fear,” the communiqué stated, warning that such realities suggest a dangerous shift of control from lawful authorities to non-state actors.

The forum urged the Benue State Government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, to move beyond rhetoric and enforce concrete security measures across the affected communities.
It also called for strict implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2018, warning that repeated violations without consequences risk undermining both the law and public confidence.

At the grassroots level, FoTA tasked local government chairmen in Gwer-East and Gwer-West to strengthen intelligence coordination and improve early warning systems to enable faster responses to emerging threats.

The group cautioned that the cost of inaction is already visible displaced families, abandoned farmlands, disrupted food production, and growing economic hardship across rural communities.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice and accountability, FoTA said it will continue to monitor the situation closely while demanding urgent and responsible action from relevant authorities.

The communiqué was signed by FoTA National President, Patrick Ukase, and National Publicity Secretary, John.

By Benue Info-pedia