Herder-farmer conflicts, major threat to peace in Benue -CP

The Commissioner of Police in charge of Benue State Police Command, Tunji Akingbola on Thursday said that the conflicts between farmers and herdsmen have continued to threaten the peace and security of the state.

CP Akingbola explained that the trend had continued despite sustained efforts and collaboration between security agencies, the state government and other community stakeholders.

Speaking at the maiden briefing with journalists in his office, the Benue police boss listed local government areas that are mostly affected by constant farmers/herders clashes to include Guma, Gwer West, Agatu, Logo, Apa, Otukpo, Ohimini, Obi, Ado, Okpowku, Ogbadibo, Kwande and Makurdi.

CP Akingbola further identified other vices that have continued to threaten the peace of the state to include vandalisation of critical infrastructure especially railway slippers, local militia gangs, cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, humanitarian challenges, violent communal clashes and illicit arms/drug trafficking.

He, however, disclosed that his vision is to leave behind a solid infrastructural base for the people of the state by putting in place a combination of kinetic and non kinetic strategies to deter people from crime and criminality.

He said, “Already, some of these measures have been activated and are yielding some appreciable degree of success on its path.

“The measures which are in line with the management objectives of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, include constructive engagement and community partnerships, public campaigns and advocacy, intelligence led policing.”

Other measures, according to the CP, are recovery of illegal firearms and light weapons, zero tolerance for corruption and respect for human rights.

The CP listed some of his achievements since assumption of office to include rescue of a kidnapped victim, arrest and death of two suspected kidnappers, arrest of suspected bandits, arrest of railway vandals and recovery of railway slippers.

He disclosed that suspected armed robbers and cultists were arrested, and firearms and ammunition were also recovered from them.