Killings: What We Are Witnessing In Benue Is Terrorism, Says Security Expert
A security expert, Dr. Aondona Mnenge, has described the ongoing killings in Benue State as acts of terrorism, warning that the nature of the violence bears the hallmarks of a coordinated campaign to instill fear and displace communities.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Mnenge, a counter-terrorism analyst and security consultant, said the federal government must stop treating the crisis as communal clashes or farmer-herder conflict, insisting it meets all the criteria of terrorism.
“What we are witnessing in Benue is no longer just farmer-herder clashes or communal disputes. The repeated and targeted killings of innocent civilians, the destruction of villages, and the displacement of thousands clearly show that this is terrorism,” he said.
He noted that recent attacks in Guma, Logo, Ukum, and other local government areas have been carried out with precision, often at night, by well-armed groups who wear military-style gear and attack entire communities. He stressed that the attackers operate with tactical coordination, a level of planning that suggests a broader agenda beyond ordinary criminal activity.
“These people are not random criminals. They are organized, trained, and clearly motivated by something much bigger. If this is not terrorism, what is?” Mnenge asked.
He called on the federal government to declare the affected parts of Benue as terrorist zones and deploy special forces to eliminate the threat. According to him, anything short of a counter-terrorism response would fail to address the scope and complexity of the crisis.
Mnenge accused the government of downplaying the attacks and failing to implement a robust security strategy. He said the continued failure to act decisively was emboldening the perpetrators and eroding public trust in the authorities.
“The longer we pretend this is just a local issue, the more lives will be lost. The government needs to step in with urgency and a clear plan to protect these communities,” he stated.
Benue State has recorded multiple attacks in recent months, resulting in the deaths of scores of residents and the displacement of thousands.
Many communities remain deserted, while several others now depend on makeshift camps for survival.
Governor Hyacinth Alia has repeatedly appealed to the federal government to act swiftly, decrying the increasing toll of the violence on rural populations.
He recently visited some affected areas and described the devastation as overwhelming.
Residents and civil society groups have also taken to the streets in protest, demanding more security presence and justice for the victims.
Many say they feel abandoned by the government and are left to defend themselves.
Dr. Mnenge warned that if the killings continue unchecked, the crisis could spiral beyond Benue and threaten wider regional stability.
“This is not the time for politics. It is time for decisive action. Terrorism thrives on government inaction. Nigeria must not allow this tragedy to continue,” he said.
