Tragedy of Benue’s Forced Relocation, Armed Attacks Clear Communities.

Tragedy of Benue’s Forced Relocation, Armed Attacks Clear Communities.

A quiet drive along the Anyiin–Ayilamo road in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State tells a grim story. Once‑vibrant farming communities now lie abandoned, their homes overtaken by weeds and silence. These villages were not emptied by economic hardship or voluntary migration; they were emptied by fear.

For months, repeated attacks by suspected armed herdsmen have forced residents across the Anyiin–Ayilamo axis to flee, leaving entire settlements deserted. Yet, in a development that has deepened the anguish of displaced families, mining activities have continued unabated in many of the same communities, allegedly carried out by criminal groups who move in as soon as locals flee.

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Communities Emptied, Farmlands Seized

Residents say the scale of displacement is unmistakable. Villages stretching from Tsukwa to Akwana and areas approaching Ayilamo town in Tombo Council Ward have been largely sacked.

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A resident who requested anonymity described the transformation: “If you are going to Ayilamo from Anyiin, you will be shocked. Houses from Tsukwa down to Akwana and even areas before Ayilamo are completely deserted because of attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen.”

He said farmlands once known for yams, cassava, maize and other crops now lie abandoned. “Our people cannot return to the farm. They fear they may be killed.”

Mining Thrives Where Locals Cannot Return.

Despite the violence, residents say mining operations continue freely in the deserted communities. Many find it troubling that while farmers are attacked, miners appear untouched.

“There has never been any report of armed herdsmen attacking miners,” the resident said. “But our people cannot return home.”

Media practitioner Joseph Apegh, a native of Logo LGA, said artisanal mining is ongoing in Mbagber, Tombo, Ukemberagya/Tswarev and Ayilamo. “In Tombo Ward, armed herdsmen have chased our people out, yet mining activities are going on,” he said, suggesting that the attackers may be shielding mining operations.

He listed minerals such as lithium, fluorite, iron ore, gemstones and limestone as being extracted daily. “What should have been God’s gift has become a weapon against the people,” he lamented.

Kwande LGA Community Faces a Similar Pattern

The same concerns are echoed in neighbouring Kwande LGA, particularly in the Turan axis. Former adviser to the Kwande LGA Chairman, Lawrence Akerigba, said several mining communities have been deserted due to attacks.

He noted that mining is ongoing in Mbakyol Council Ward in Menakwgh community, where Chinese nationals reportedly operate. “We wonder why armed herdsmen attack the owners of the land but allow miners to continue their business,” he said.

Akerigba also mentioned a mining site in Inungugh in Yaav Council Ward, where villagers have fled, but miners remain. “Once the herders sight any indigene, they shoot. But the Chinese miners stay comfortably.”

Entire Wards Emptied

Akerigba said the Turan area comprises five wards—Mbadura, Kumakwagh, Moon, Yaav and Mbakyul. “At the moment, four wards have been completely vacated. Everyone has moved to Yaav,” he said.

Even Yaav is under threat. A recent attack in Jato‑Aka claimed 13 lives, while another in Boagungu Mbaav killed 10 people, including Akerigba’s elder brother. Several victims are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.

Growing Suspicion of Collaboration

The tragedy of Benue’s Forced Relocation now makes residents suspect a link between the attackers and those involved in mining.

“We strongly suspect connivance between the Chinese and the armed herdsmen,” Akerigba alleged. “If there is no collaboration, why are the owners of the land not wanted, while foreigners operate unchallenged?”

He identified another active mining site in the Waya community in the Yaav Council Ward. “In all these places, the owners have fled, but the miners remain,” he said.

As communities continue to empty and mining activities expand, residents are calling on the Federal Government to investigate the pattern of attacks and determine whether there is a connection between the violence and the mineral deposits beneath their land.