In Abuja, during an FCT briefing, Senator Titus Zam and community leader Ukan Kurugh addressed the urgent security crisis in Benue State, highlighting recent massacres and widespread fear among residents.
Zam condemned the mass shootings and property destruction, urging the government to step up and end the violence once and for all. He called for enforcing anti-grazing laws, deploying more security, and improving intelligence gathering to protect communities
Meanwhile, Ukan Kurugh powerfully stated: “Benue people are afraid of the armed forces.” This striking declaration reveals a deep distrust stemming from heavy-handed military responses, mass displacement, and cycles of violence that have devastated farmers and villagers across the state .
🔍 Key Highlights:
- Zam emphasized the urgent need for troop deployment, policy enforcement, and community-based intelligence systems
- Kurugh brought attention to the loss of confidence in the military, with civilians fearing state security instead of seeking protection .
- Recent surges in attacks across Guma, Gwer-West, Kwande, and Ukum LGAs have left hundreds of families displaced and traumatized.
🧭 Path Forward:
Senator Zam and Ukan Kurugh stressed that ending Benue’s cycle of violence requires:
- Strengthening enforcement of the open-grazing ban and securing herding routes;
- Rebuilding public trust in security forces through restraint, community engagement, and clearer rules of engagement;
- Launching joint action with North Central state governors to coordinate anti-bandit operations and address militia proliferation.
