Border Attacks: Benue Community Seeks Urgent Government Action

By Amos Aar

The Makurdi Chapter of the Mbajir Development Association (MDA) has decried the wave of violent attacks on Tiv communities in Mbajir District along the Benue-Taraba boundary, calling for immediate and decisive security intervention.

In a press statement dated February 20, 2026, and jointly signed by the chapter’s president, Mr. Agee Akiga, and secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Aondover, the association described the incursions by suspected armed bandits as brutal and intolerable.

The group said the assaults, which affected communities in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State and adjoining settlements in Taraba State, led to deaths, destruction of homes and widespread displacement of residents.

According to the association, many inhabitants of the Mbajir hinterland have abandoned their ancestral homes and are now taking refuge in Sai, Abako, Peva and other host communities under harsh humanitarian conditions.

“The Mbajir Development Association, Makurdi Chapter, expresses deep sorrow and strong condemnation over the recent incursion into Mbajir District in Benue and Taraba states by suspected Fulani bandits, which has resulted in tragic loss of lives, destruction of properties and the mass displacement of our people,” the statement said.

MDA noted that the situation was made worse by what it described as the absence of visible security presence in the affected areas at the time of the attacks.

“This heinous and barbaric attack has forced innocent residents of the Mbajir hinterland to flee their ancestral homes and seek refuge under extremely distressing and inhumane conditions. It is particularly alarming that these attacks occurred without any visible security presence,” the group added.

The association warned that the continued vulnerability of rural communities to armed violence was unacceptable and urged authorities to take coordinated steps to halt the deteriorating security situation in the border corridor.

Aligning with earlier concerns raised by Catholic priests from the Jalingo and Wukari dioceses, the MDA appealed to the Federal Government, the governments of Benue and Taraba states, and the chairmen of Katsina-Ala, Takum, Donga and Wukari local government areas to act without delay.

It specifically called for the deployment of adequate security personnel to Mbajir District to restore calm and guarantee sustained protection of lives and property.

The group also appealed to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other humanitarian organisations to urgently provide relief assistance to internally displaced persons currently sheltered in host communities.

In addition, the association demanded a comprehensive investigation into the attacks to ensure that perpetrators are identified and prosecuted.

“We stand in solidarity with the victims and displaced families during this difficult time and urge all stakeholders to act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed and humanitarian crisis in Mbajir District,” the statement added.

MDA stressed that protecting the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of Mbajir residents must remain a priority, warning that failure to respond decisively could further worsen the unfolding humanitarian situation in the affected communities.