Threats to peace and security occasioned by activities of bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, ethnic and religious militias and other criminals, within Benue state and at the borderlines have continued to present great challenges to the state with the economy, which is largely agrarian, as well as the campaigns of Governor Samuel Ortom at risk; DANIEL AGBO reports.
The security situation in Benue state may have become intractable bringing the economy of the state on the verge of collapse.
From Benue North-east to North-west and Benue South, the story remains the same with the persistent activities of kidnapers, armed robbers and militia men with its attendant destruction of lives and property have generated serious concern to both individuals and government.
This is as the solution to the problem now seems to be eluding government on the monstrous activities of criminals particularly in the Sankera area and other parts of the state.
Much as everyone acknowledges the importance of peace to development and growth of any society, there have been multiple instances of Benue communities being simultaneously engulfed by violence of high magnitude leading to loss of lives and property.
Apart from attacks by herdsmen and communal clashes in the state, activities of kidnappers and armed robbers are also taking toll on the state.
The current trend of crime and violence in Benue has reach unprecedented height and has become a source of concern to security agencies and other stakeholder in the state, from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military as well.
Amidst continuous insurgency by herdsmen in parts of Guma, Logo, and Gwer West, the activities of militia in the Sankera axis, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes the security agencies, undoubtedly, have more than enough to contend with and are appear to be doing a lot to quell the prevalence of crime in the state.
Military operation
Following the advance of a military spike operation code named Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) activities of armed herdsmen seemed to have reduced to a manageable level, however, much more is required to mitigate the situation considering the rate of crime.
The problem with particular reference to Katsina Ala, Logo and Ukum, Agatu Gboko and other major towns in the state within this year alone have been characterised by frequent occurrence of armed robbery, murder, kidnapping and burglary.
In a bid to curb the trend, the state government had declared war against criminals in the state. This is as the state governor Samuel Ortom while speaking on the security situation in the state, recently, vowed that criminal elements would have no hiding place in the state with the constitution of a task force comprising the military, the police, as well as other security agencies to fish out the criminals.
According to him, the operation would target kidnappers and cult members who have been harassing innocent people in some parts of the state.
The governor stated that the objective of the crackdown would be to restore peace to troubled areas, particularly in Sankera, Gboko, Kwande, and other communities, so that economic and other activities would flourish.
“God has heard the prayers of the people at several previous times such that I am confident that the war against crime would also be won,” the governor added.
Despite the directive of the governor and other measures and techniques put in place and adopted by government and security agencies to combat the menace, these problems of violent crimes have persisted.
Problem persists
In Sankera axis of the state, which comprises of Katsina Ala, Ukum and Logo, hardly does a week pass without an incidence of killing, kidnapping or armed robbery.
This territory, which is controlled by a wanted criminal Terwase Akwaza and his boys, have become a nightmare to residents, traders and travellers alike within the area.
Business activities, which hitherto used to boom in the area that is known for yam production have completely crumbled, even as the famous Zaki Biam has now become a shadow of itself.
Speaking on the situation Sankera area, Mr Shima Ayati, a former Aide to Vice President Atiku Abubakar, said criminal activities in Sankera area was gradually killing the economy of the area.
“Some of us who still live here do because it is our home and we have no other place to go. Before now if you visited Zaki Biam, the place was booming with business activities.
“Majority of the yam consumed in Nigeria used to be from here and traders were coming from all part of the country to buy the yam. But now people are afraid of coming here because of the increased level insecurity.
“The security men, including the police and military, are doing their best that is why you can still see people still doing business in the area.
“This is also affecting development in our area because most investors who wanted to come and invest here are becoming reluctant to still come.
“The situation is now dicey and worsened by the Tiv and Jukun crisis that has had a spill over effect into Benue state. If this kind of situation continue in the area. I doubt whether the government can bring development here,” he said.
Communal clashes thrive
In other parts of the state, communal clashes appear to have given rise to the increase in criminal activities. In Agatu for instance the issues of communal clashes have become a reoccurring decimal.
Barely five weeks ago, less than 12 people were killed in the fight between Okokolo and Abugbe communities, just as another crisis erupted between Okpoga and Edumoga districts in Okpokwu local government area of the state on Monday. At least three persons were reportedly killed in the renewed hostility between the two communities.
In Gboko cases of kidnapping have become very rampant though the residents have been trying to work with the security agencies to curb the situation the crime has persisted.
Less than four weeks ago, some gunmen reportedly abducted the Provost of College of Health Technology, Mkar, Gboko local government area Mr. James Terwase Ihongo from his house opposite the school’s laboratory, along Katsina Ala Road, around 7:30 pm.
The incident happened barely three hours after a businesswoman Mrs. Blessing Arinze was abducted in the same Gboko town.
In Vandeikya mother of a Benue state legislators Mr Terkaa Ucha was also kidnapped. The kidnapping of the legislator’s mother took place in May.
Just last Sunday, three people were shot and killed by armed robbers, who reportedly trailed them from Katsina ala. In that very incident the Business Day correspondent for Benue state Benjamin Agesan survived sustained several gunshot injuries.
Also, earlier last week five armed robbers and kidnap gang, who were out for operation, were arrested in Zaki biam by OPWS, while a member of the gang was killed while exchanging gun fire with the soldiers.
Businesses suffer
These criminal activities in the state have created fear in residents, businessmen and investors. This is as most traders have been forced to close down their shops, sometimes even during the day, because of the operations of these criminals.
In the same vein, travelling on most roads in the state has become a risky exercise with many commuters avoiding certain roads even during the day.
Farming activities are at also at a low level, because farmers are afraid that they may be attacked by bandits or militia.
Delivering on campaign promises
With such level of crime now in the state, many people are of the opinion that the situation will form a clog in the wheel of the state and the governor to deliver on his campaign promises.
A retired Air force Officer and former councillor in Kwande local government Hon Patrick Atsembe Pev has said that except urgent steps are taken by the government to nip the situation in the bud.
“We have never had it rough in this state in terms of security the way it has been today. There is a saying that no development can take place in an insecure society.
“If there is insecurity even government cannot do anything because most of its resources are channel in ending such security problems.
“It is my opinion that if the current insecurity in Benue is not tackled, it will become even impossible for the governor to fulfil his second term promises. This is because no contractor will want to work where his security can’t be guaranteed,” he noted.
