Residents of Tombo Ward in Logo Local Government Area, Benue State, are living in fear following the unauthorized influx of herders grazing cattle in the community. The situation has escalated amid reports that some herders are heavily armed and display sophisticated weapons openly.
Community leaders have petitioned relevant authorities, highlighting widespread destruction of farmlands, obstruction of fishing activities, and restricted access to fish ponds in Anyibe, Azege (Mbaya community), and Abena Hill. The petition, submitted by the Gaambetiev Local Government Workers Forum and signed by its president, Jeyol Hilenen, warned that the herders’ presence is causing “increasing tension and anxiety” among residents whose livelihoods depend on farming and fishing.
The petition urged security agencies to verify and assess the situation, remove unauthorized herders, and deploy personnel to stabilize the area and prevent further economic loss and potential violence.
