By Dr. Gabriel A Gundu
MD/CEO, Neo-Eagle Vision Management Consulting Ltd
Abuja, Nigeria
May 2026
1. Introduction
This indicative insight focus attention on five “C”:
i. Concept of Benue State Bleedings
ii. Causes of the Bleedings
iii. Checks of the Causes
iv. Consequences of the Bleedings
v. Chartered Exit Pathway for Healing and Recovery.
2. Concept of the Bleedings: A Cry from the Heartland
2.1 Bleedings”. This is a powerful and heartbreaking phrase capturing the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis affecting Benue State, long regarded as the “Food Basket of the Nigeria”. This phrase, “Benue State Bleedings”, symbolically captures the harrowing reality of tragic mass killings, displacement of communities, trauma, and erosion of social stability caused by persistent violence, largely stemming from herder-farmer conflicts, banditry, and communal clashes.
This writeup offers a reflective diagnosis of the situation within the context of the Principles of Positive Human Mindset Transformation.
2.2 Nature of the Bleedings: Symptoms of a Broken System
i. Violence and Insecurity: Repeated armed attacks on rural communities by suspected herdsmen, militias, and bandits. Patterns of coordinated killings, arson, and abductions persist, especially in Guma, Logo, Agatu, Ukum, and Katsina-Ala LGAs.
ii. Mass Displacement: Over 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps and host communities across the State. Poor living conditions, with limited access to healthcare, education, and clean water.
iii. Agricultural Disruption: Mass destruction and abandonment of farmlands due to insecurity. This has crippled Benue’s agricultural output and threatens national food supply.
iv. Human Rights Violations: Indiscriminate killings, gender-based violence, and forced displacements of persons, often without justice or accountability.
v. Psychological Trauma: Prolonged exposure to violence, fear, and despair, as well as broken trust among communities and towards institutions.
vi. Erosion of Trust in Government: Perceptions of State and Federal inaction or bias have deepened feelings of neglect, marginalization, and despair among the people.
3. Causes of the Bleedings
The indicative root causes and underlying issues include:
3.1 Historical Factors: While the violence may appear recent, it is actually rooted in a long and painful history of environmental stress, political neglect, and systemic injustice
i. Colonial-Era Land Policies: During British colonial rule, land tenure systems were restructured, disrupting traditional land-sharing arrangements between farmers and pastoralists. This sowed early seeds of tension as communities lost control over ancestral lands.
ii. Farmer-Herder Land Disputes: Historically, farmers and herders coexisted through mutual exchange. But over time, especially with climate change and desertification in the north, herders began migrating southward into farming territories like Benue. This led to competition over land and water, escalating into violent clashes.
3.2 Governance Challenges in Benue State: Benue State faces a complex web of governance and existential challenges that have deepened its security crisis and hindered development, a sample of which include:
i. Insecurity and Weak State Response: Armed attacks by herder militias and bandits have overwhelmed local communities. Despite federal deployments, Benue State’s security apparatus remains under-resourced and reactive. This led to Governor Hyacinth Alia’s call for state policing and greater community involvement, arguing that locals are best positioned to understand and respond to threats.
ii. Political Infighting: Internal divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue have reportedly undermined coordinated governance. Governor Alia has pointed to disunity among party stakeholders as a major obstacle to effective implemention of security and development strategies.
iii. Leadership Criticism and Capacity Gaps: Some critics argue that Governor Alia’s background as a cleric has left him ill-prepared for the harsh realities of political leadership. His stance against self-defense by civilians has drawn backlash from activists who see it as a failure to protect vulnerable communities.
iv. Federal-State Coordination: While President Tinubu’s recent visit and promises of support were welcomed, there is ongoing concern about the slow pace of Federal Government intervention and the need for a special intervention fund to support displaced persons and rebuild affected communities.
v. Narrative and Policy Misalignment: Benue State traditional rulers, under the leadership of Tor Tiv V, Prof. James Ayatse, have warned that mischaracterizing the violence of the “criminal herdsmen” as “herder-farmer clashes” downplays its scale and intent. They argue that it is “ a calculated, well-planned and full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits”. They add that it is this “wrong diagnosis” that has led to inadequate policy responses, hence their sustainable call for “Justice and Accountability”.
vi. Proliferation of Arms and Criminal Groups have displaced many people into Internally Displaced Persons Camps(IDPS), disrupted farming activities, interrupted schooling and business operations.
vii. Military Operations, such as Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have had mixed results: occasionally curbing violence but also accused of slow or uneven intervention.
viii. Limited Federal Support and Political Will have hindered broader conflict resolution efforts.
4. Control of the Causes: Measures taken to control the causes.
4.1 Anti-Open Grazing Law
i. The Benue State Government introduced the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in 2017.
ii. It bans open grazing and encourages ranching to reduce clashes between herders and farmers.
4.2 Deployment of Security Forces
i. Soldiers, police officers, and civil defense personnel have been deployed to troubled communities.
ii. Joint security operations and patrols are used to prevent attacks.
4.3 Peace and Dialogue Committees
i. Government and traditional rulers organize peace meetings between farmers and herders.
ii. Community leaders help mediate disputes before they become violent.
4.4 Promotion of Ranching
i. Authorities encourage modern cattle ranching instead of moving cattle from place to place.
ii. Ranching helps reduce destruction of crops and land conflicts.
4.5 Compensation and Conflict Resolution
i. Efforts are being made to restore compensation systems when cattle destroy farms.
ii. Dialogue mechanisms are promoted to settle disputes peacefully.
4.6 Community Policing and Vigilance Groups: Local vigilante groups and community policing initiatives help monitor suspicious movements and improve local security.
4.7 Humanitarian Support: Relief materials, food, shelter, and medical support are provided to displaced persons in IDP camps after attacks.
4.8 Arrest and Prosecution of Suspects: Security agencies investigate attacks and prosecute suspects linked to massacres and terrorism-related crimes.
4.9 Public Awareness and Traditional Leadership: Religious leaders, NGOs, and traditional rulers educate communities on peaceful coexistence and tolerance.
5. Consequences of the Bleedings
5.1 Benue State Perspective
i. Mass Displacement: Thousands have been rendered homeless, presently residing in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps under deplorable conditions.
ii. Loss of Lives and Livelihoods: Frequent attacks result in the deaths of civilians and destruction of farms.
iii. Trauma and Social Disruption: Communities live in fear; schools and clinics have shut down in many rural areas.
iv. Food Insecurity: Agricultural productivity has declined drastically, compounding hunger and poverty.
v. Stunted Agricultural Productivity: With farming disrupted, Benue’s status as a food-producing State is under threat.
vi. Education Disruption: Children in conflict zones and IDP camps suffer from interrupted or non-existent schooling.
vii. Public Health Crisis: Overcrowded camps and poor sanitation contribute to disease outbreaks and high mortality rates.
viii. Brain Drain and Migration: Many professionals and youths flee to safer regions, leading to a loss of human capital
5.2 Broader Nigerian Perspective
Benue State governance challenges are part of a broader Nigerian governance crisis. Thus, to some extent, they are similar, though varying in scale and context, to those of some other States.
Examples include:
5.2.1 Security and Armed Violence:
i. Benue: Faces persistent attacks from armed herders and bandits, often described as ethno-territorial violence.
ii. Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina: Also suffer from banditry and terrorism, but with more pronounced links to ransom kidnappings and insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.
iii. Plateau and Taraba: Share Benue’s Middle Belt dynamics, with communal clashes over land and identity.
5.2.2 Political Cohesion and Leadership Weaknesses:
i. Benue: Internal party rifts have hampered unified governance. Governor Alia’s leadership has been questioned by opponents for lacking political experience.
ii. Rivers and Edo: Also struggle with intra-party crises, often leading to legislative paralysis or impeachment threats.
iii. Lagos and Borno: Show stronger political alignment between State and Federal actors, which often translates into more coordinated governance.
5.2.3 Institutional Capacity Weaknesses and Corruption:
i. Across Nigeria, institutional capacity weakness and corruption are endemic. According to Transparency International, Nigeria ranked 154th out of 180 countries in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index.
ii. Benue State’s challenge is compounded by limited infrastructure and a rural economy, making it harder to attract investment or implement reforms.
5.2.4 Narrative and Policy Disconnect:
Benue’s leaders argue that mislabeling the violence as “herder-farmer clashes” obscures its organized nature. This mirrors frustrations in Southern Kaduna and parts of Niger State, where locals feel national narratives downplay the severity of their crises.
6. Chartered Exit Pathway for Healing and Recovery
6.1 Inspirational Lessons from Other States
Benue State can draw powerful lessons from other Nigerian States that have faced similar crises but made strides through bold reforms, strategic partnerships, and community-driven solutions. Here are some standout examples:
i. Borno State: Community-Based Security: Despite being the epicenter of Boko Haram’s insurgency, Borno State under Governor Babagana Zulum has invested heavily in local vigilante groups and civilian joint task forces. These community-based outfits, trained and supported by the State Government, have helped reclaim territory and rebuild trust. Benue could adapt this model by formalizing and equipping local defense groups under strict oversight
ii. Ekiti State: Peacebuilding through Dialogue: Ekiti has pioneered Peace Committees that include farmers, herders, traditional rulers, and security agencies. These platforms have helped mediate disputes before they escalate. Benue, with its history of ethno-religious tension, could benefit from similar grassroots dialogue mechanisms.
iii. Kebbi State: Agricultural Innovation: Kebbi’s partnership with Lagos on the “Lagos-Kebbi Rice Initiative” boosted food production and created jobs. Benue, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” could replicate such inter-state agricultural collaborations to revitalize its economy and reduce youth unemployment—a key driver of insecurity
iv. Lagos State: Institutional Reforms: Lagos has invested in digital governance, tax reform, and urban planning, which have improved service delivery and public trust. While Benue’s context is more rural, adopting transparent budgeting and citizen feedback tools could strengthen governance and accountability.
v. Cross River State: IDP Integration: Cross River, which hosts thousands of Cameroonian refugees, has worked with NGOs to provide education, healthcare, and livelihood support. Benue, with over 1.5 million internally displaced persons, could scale up partnerships with humanitarian agencies to improve conditions in IDP camps.
6.2 Indicative Priority Quick-Win Action Steps
Benue State should consider, inter alia, the followings:
6.2.1 Governance and Policy Reforms
i. Diligent implementation of the “Security of Lives and Property” agenda, being Pillar 1 of Governor Alia’s 7-Point Agenda for a Greater Benue (2023 Gubernatorial Election Manifesto of Alia and Ode)
ii. Strengthening enforcement of the Benue State’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law (2017)
iii. Adapt General Gowan’s 3Rs Post-Nigerian Civil War Policy (Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation) as a strategic pathway towards fostering Benue State’s sustainable transformational development
6.2.2 Formalize Community-Based Security and Protection:
i. Legal Framework: Pass legislation to recognize and regulate local vigilante groups under state supervision.
ii. Training and Oversight: Partner with the Nigeria Police and civil society to train these groups in human rights and conflict de-escalation.
iii. Early Warning Systems: Improve the installed early warning and rapid response systems; and establish community intelligence networks to detect threats before they escalate.
6.2.3 Institutionalize Peacebuilding and Reconciliation:
i. Community Dialogue and Healing: Facilitate sustained inter-ethnic and inter-religious peace dialogues at the grassroots level, whilst promoting truth-telling, forgiveness, and shared memory initiatives.
ii. Engage Traditional and Religious Leaders to use moral authority in preaching peace, mediating disputes, and denouncing violence.
iii. Establish Peace and Justice Committees to support local structures in mediating disputes, recommending justice paths, and tracking community tensions.
iv. Multi-Stakeholder Forums: Create local peace councils with farmers, herders, traditional rulers, and security agencies.
v. Conflict Mediation Training: Equip members with negotiation and trauma-informed mediation skills.
vi. Incentivize Dialogue: Offer grants or support to communities that resolve disputes peacefully.
6.2.4 Revive Agriculture through Partnerships:
i. Interstate Collaboration: Launch a “Benue-Lagos Food Corridor” modeled after Kebbi’s rice initiative.
ii. Agri-Tech Hubs: Set up innovation centers to support youth-led agribusinesses.
iii. Land Access Reform: Use the Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS) to streamline land titling and reduce disputes.
6.2.5 Accelerate Digital Governance:
i. Expand E-Governance Platforms: Build on the recent launch of four digital tools by integrating them across ministries.
ii. Train Civil Servants: Continue ICT training for the 40,000 workers already enrolled, with a focus on service delivery and transparency.
iii. Citizen Feedback Portals: Create mobile-friendly platforms for residents to report issues and track government responses.
6.2.6. Humanitarian Relief and Resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs):
i. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with NGOs and international donors to improve shelter, education, and healthcare in IDP camps.
ii. Livelihood Programs: Launch vocational training and microfinance schemes to help IDPs rebuild their lives.
iii. Resettlement Plans: Develop long-term strategies for safe return or integration into host communities.
6.2.7 Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy
i. Valuable Lessons from Other States: Draw valuable lessons from the above-mentioned inspirational lessons from other States: Borno State’s Community-Based Security; Ekiti State’s Peacebuilding through Dialogue; Kebbi State’s Agricultural Innovation; Lagos State’s Institutional Reforms; Cross River State’s IDP Integration etc.
ii. Mobilize National and International Support: Engage federal government, international donors, NGOs, and development agencies for funding and technical support.
iii. Data and Documentation: Establish a central system to collect and analyze data on killings, displacements, and humanitarian needs for targeted interventions.
iv. Raise National Awareness: Use the media, civil society, and cultural leaders to bring attention to the plight of Benue people and push for justice.
7. Concluding Remarks: From Bleeding to Blooming
The “Benue State Bleedings” is not only from its physical wounds but also from its collective trauma, shattered livelihoods, and abandoned hope.. It reflects Nigeria’s broader struggles with security, governance, and inter-communal coexistence. It is a humanitarian emergency, a development setback, and a test of political will. An indicative insight into this tragedy calls for restorative leadership, proactive governance, and a shared resolve to heal before the bloodletting becomes a normalized feature of the Benue landscape. The blooming path ahead demands courage, truth, and unity, lest the blood of Benue’s innocents continue to cry in vain.
