Benue: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to halt the escalating violence in the central Benue state. It is reported that over 200 individuals have been killed in recent attacks across various communities. Tinubu condemned the violence as “inhuman and anti-progress” following a large protest in Makurdi, the state capital, where citizens demanded action against the killings.

According to BBC, security analyst Kabir Adamu from Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited reported that 1,043 people have lost their lives in Benue between May 2023 and May 2025. The state has long been embroiled in a violent conflict between herders, primarily of the Fulani ethnic group, and farmers. This ongoing strife has resulted in significant civilian and security force casualties in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. The herders, searching for pasture, often clash with farmers who accuse them of damaging crops and contaminating water sources. Despite accusations, Fulani community leader Baba Othman Ngelzarma stated that his people are not behind the Benue attacks, attributing the violence to unresolved local issues.

Adamu highlighted environmental factors such as climate change and desertification as key drivers of the conflict, forcing herders southward into already resource-strapped Benue State. The rapid population growth exacerbates competition for land and water, fueling a cycle of conflict. Religious differences also play a role, with Muslim Fulani herders often at odds with Christian farming communities.

Both state and national governments have attempted various solutions, including the formation of a federal joint task force in 2018 and the recent establishment of the Forest Guards. However, these efforts have yet to yield significant results. Public affairs analyst Sam Philip criticized the government for neglecting the Benue conflict in favor of addressing other security issues such as Boko Haram insurgency, secession demands, and widespread kidnappings.

Adamu suggested a multifaceted resolution involving increased security presence and economic initiatives. He advocated for deploying tactical special forces to Benue and creating more grazing land to prevent clashes. A previous attempt by former President Muhammadu Buhari to allocate grazing land was rejected by southern states, fearing it would grant Fulani herders access to their territories. Adamu stressed that any plan should equitably address the needs of both herders and farmers to promote lasting peace.