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Posted By OgaDeyVex On October 29th, 2025

Renewed violence have hit several parts of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area in Benue State, following reports that a militia group headed by one Oraernyi, widely known as “Heavy,” and armed herders, are behind a spate of attacks and the destruction of farmlands in Mbajir community.

According to local sources, the crisis intensified last Sunday when vast sections of farmland in Tse Akoso were allegedly set on fire and destroyed by the armed men, prompting villagers to abandon their homes in fear.

A community member, who requested anonymity, claimed that a prominent local figure (name withheld) was aggravating the unrest.

The individual was said to have warned that anyone exposing the activities of the armed herders in the region would “face dire consequences, including death.”

“The threats are aimed at silencing victims and concealing the role of local collaborators in the escalating violence,” he said.

The resident further alleged that the militia led by “Heavy” often collaborated with the armed herders during attacks on settlements like Tse Akoso and Danzulu, making it appear as though the herders alone were responsible for the raids.

He added, “Two armed herders identified as Bado and Musa, who participated in previous attacks, are being protected and moved around by the militia.

They now operate from a new hideout between Tse Dunchi and Abony, along the Ukum boundary, an area deserted by residents after earlier violence.”

He cautioned that the ongoing assaults could lead to the complete displacement of villagers from their ancestral homes as farmlands, particularly yam and cassava plots, continue to be destroyed across Mbajir.

“We are appealing to traditional rulers, the local government chairmen of Ukum and Katsina-Ala, and the Benue State government to take urgent action before more lives are lost,” he pleaded.

Community members have also demanded the immediate evacuation of the armed herders from their villages to avert further bloodshed.

Efforts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.

Source: https://dailypost.ng/2025/10/29/villagers-flee-as-militia-armed-herders-launch-fresh-attacks-on-benue-communities/