Magaji Mike Alidu, a leading voice among Benue youths and President of Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide, has condemned the escalating killings and the suffering of displaced persons in Benue State. In an exclusive conversation with LMSINT MEDIA, he shared grim insights into the mass murder of over 200 civilians by suspected herders, the government’s neglect of displaced persons, and his thoughts on leadership responses to the ongoing crisis.
What do you believe is driving the surge in killings across Benue?
From our understanding, the repeated attacks in various communities across Benue State appear to be a well-orchestrated land occupation plot. This could be described as ethnic cleansing or an intentional effort to seize land. These aggressors aim to instill fear by perpetrating mass violence and pushing indigenous people out of their communities. Fulani herders believe Benue offers ideal grazing land for their cattle due to its fertility and resources, making it a target for forceful takeover.
Nigeria’s Army Chief visited Benue recently. Has this made any difference?
There was no meaningful outcome from the Chief of Army Staff’s visit. He arrived and left within a day. Instead of bringing relief, his presence seemed to embolden the attackers. Following his visit, there was a surge in violence, especially in Yelewata, Guma LGA, where over 200 lives were lost. This turned out to be one of the deadliest massacres in Benue’s recent history, with women, children, and the elderly brutally murdered. His visit had a negative effect and didn’t result in any improved security response.
President Tinubu visited Benue recently. Has that led to any changes?
Yes, the president’s visit has had some visible effects. His presence prompted inquiries into why no arrests had been made. Subsequently, arrests linked to the Benue killings were confirmed in Nasarawa State, with official statements by the state’s governor and police commissioner. So far, this suggests President Tinubu’s intervention may be leading to positive steps toward justice.
Governor Alia claims the attackers are foreign mercenaries, not local herders. Do you agree?
That’s misleading. The truth is that Fulani herdsmen terrorists are behind these coordinated attacks. These aren’t just isolated criminals—they are armed militant groups working collectively with Fulani elements from across West Africa. These groups are responsible for murder, rape, arson, and kidnapping. Referring to them vaguely as “foreigners” downplays the reality. These are Fulani militant herders, and they have a clear agenda.
Traditional rulers recently gave herders an ultimatum to vacate Benue. Could this have triggered the latest attacks?
No, the recent bloodshed was not directly caused by the royal ultimatum. These attacks occurred before, during, and after the statements made by the Tor-Tiv and Och’Idoma. What’s worsening the situation is the weak enforcement of the anti-open grazing law. Had the law been properly upheld, many of these attacks could have been averted. Now that Benue people, including traditional leaders and youth, are speaking with one voice demanding the herders to leave, the resistance has intensified—particularly because this is farming season and locals are eager to return to their farmlands.
What is the situation like for those displaced by these attacks? Has the government intervened?
Frankly, both federal and state support are lacking. Displaced persons, especially from the Benue South Senatorial District, which includes Idoma-speaking communities, are receiving minimal assistance. In Agatu, my own community, there is no IDP camp, despite repeated attacks. Houses remain destroyed, people suffer from untreated trauma, and there’s no psychological or infrastructural rehabilitation. Survivors are left to fend for themselves in hardship.
Even when SEMA (State Emergency Management Agency) distributed food and relief materials to camps in Makurdi, Guma, and other parts of Benue, nothing was sent to Agatu, Apa, or Otukpo. I am deeply involved and can confirm this firsthand. The relief support appears to be politically motivated, and unfortunately, the distribution is unfair and unequal.
Conclusion
The ongoing violence in Benue is not just a humanitarian crisis—it is an existential threat. The lack of effective state and federal intervention continues to deepen the wounds of affected communities. From poorly enforced laws to lopsided relief efforts, the path to healing remains uncertain for thousands of displaced families, especially in areas like Agatu, that are repeatedly neglected.
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