A member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Peter Uche (APC/Guma I), has raised alarm over persistent attacks in his constituency, alleging that lives continue to be lost while farmlands are destroyed.
Speaking in Makurdi on Friday, Uche said the security situation in his area remains dire, noting that the violence has displaced thousands of residents and left survivors struggling to cope.
His constituency includes Yelewata, a community that witnessed a deadly attack in June 2025. According to him, the situation has not improved since then.
“The insecurity is still very serious,” he said. “Just on Wednesday, innocent farmers were killed during an attack at Imande Dem.”
Uche explained that he had been away attending a burial but planned to visit the affected communities to sympathise with grieving families.
The lawmaker stressed that he has repeatedly brought the issue before the House, urging the state government—led by Hyacinth Alia—to take decisive action.
He also highlighted what he described as a major concern: the continued movement of armed herders operating under open grazing, despite the state’s anti-open-grazing law.
“It is disturbing that these attackers move freely with their cattle,” Uche said. “The law banning open grazing exists, yet it is not being enforced for reasons best known to the government.”
While acknowledging that enforcement is beyond his authority, he maintained that he has consistently called on the government to act through legislative motions.
Uche further urged residents in vulnerable communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Despite the ongoing challenges, he commended security forces for their efforts, even as he insisted that more decisive action is needed to restore safety and allow farmers to return to their lands.