By Comrade Joseph Apahar Joo 

Farmers in Tse Akir village, Mbaabee community of Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State have alleged that herders grazed cattle on cultivated maize farms, causing extensive damage. Community members say the incident has reignited concerns over recurring farmer-herder conflicts in the area.

Residents of Tse Akir village in Mbaabee community, Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area have reported that cattle allegedly entered cultivated maize farms and destroyed large portions of crops.

According to community members, the incident occurred before a visit to the affected farms on the previous evening, where significant damage was observed. However, no photographs of the destruction were taken because darkness had fallen and residents expressed fears that those responsible might still have been nearby, raising security concerns.

The community said the military unit stationed in Tatyough was informed of the incident. According to residents, the soldiers assured them they would work toward ensuring compensation for affected farmers.

Despite that assurance, community elders and affected farmers said their preferred solution is not financial compensation but the relocation of the Fulani settlement they say is situated close to their farms, arguing that repeated incidents will continue unless preventive measures are implemented.
Residents further alleged that the cattle returned to the farms later that night, causing additional destruction.

The affected farmers were identified by the community as:

Msuega Edward Orjime

Asee Nen

Eric Uhembe

Bokyaa Mbaawuaga

Msuega Atsuwa

Nicolas Ibi

Community members have appealed to security agencies and relevant government authorities to intervene promptly to prevent further destruction, protect livelihoods, and reduce tensions between farming and herding communities.

At the time of publication, Benue Info-pedia has not independently verified the full extent of the reported damage or obtained responses from the herders mentioned, local government officials, or security authorities.