Benue South – Zone C
Benue South – Zone C
Benue South District (Zone C) is predominantly inhabited by the Idoma and Igede people and comprises of 9 Local Government Areas (LGAs), 107 wards covering well over a 1450 towns and villages. The Local Government Areas are:
- Agatu
- Apa
- Ado
- Obi
- Oju
- Otukpo
- Ohimini
- Ogbadibo
- Okpokwu
The Fulani militia (armed herdsmen) have had a devastating impact on these areas, employing brutal tactics that have led to significant humanitarian crises. Below is a detailed breakdown of their impact on each LGA:
Agatu LGA : The Killing Fields
Notable Attacks:
- February 2016 Massacre: Over 500 killed in attacks on Odugbeho, Akpeko, Okokolo, and Aila villages. Homes and farms were burned, displacing thousands.
- March 2020 Attack: 50+ killed in Olegomakwu village, with survivors fleeing to IDP camps.
- January 2023 Raid: Herdsmen invaded Ogbaulu community, killing 27 and burning houses.
Tactics Used:
- Mass slaughter with machetes and guns.
- Destruction of villages to prevent return, ensuring land grab.
- Surprise attacks: Villages are often raided at dawn or night.
- Mass killings: Indiscriminate shootings and slaughtering of villagers.
- Burning of homes and farms: To displace communities and destroy livelihoods.
- Use of sophisticated weapons: AK-47s, RPGs, and sometimes military-grade arms.
Humanitarian Impact:
- Mass displacement: Thousands have fled to IDP camps in Oweto, Otukpo, and Makurdi.
- Food insecurity: Destruction of farms has led to severe hunger.
- Loss of lives: Hundreds killed in repeated attacks
- Healthcare collapse: No functional health centers in most attacked communities.
Apa LGA: Silent Ethnic Cleansing?
Notable Attacks:
- April 2018 Massacre: Over 80 killed in Ojantele, Opaha, and Edikwu villages.
- June 2021 Attack: 30+ killed in Ikobi after herdsmen ambushed farmers.
- March 2023 Invasion: Ugbobi village razed, 20+ dead, women abducted.
- April 2025: Several Apa villages around Oju, Edikwu, Opaha, and Akpete were invaded—dozens killed, homes razed.
Tactics Used:
- Kidnapping for ransom.
- Destruction of food stores to induce starvation.
- Total destruction of villages to prevent return, ensuring land grab
- Guerrilla-style raids: Hit-and-run attacks to instill fear.
- Kidnapping for ransom: Abduction of locals, especially women and children.
- Destruction of water sources: Polluting wells and streams to force displacement.
Humanitarian Impact:
- High refugee influx: Many flee to Lafia (Nasarawa State) for safety.
- Education disruption: Schools abandoned due to attacks.
- Economic collapse: Markets destroyed, trade paralyzed.
Otukpo LGA: Urban Infiltration
Notable Attacks:
- July 2017 Attack: 20 killed in Ogboju community near Otukpo town.
- May 2022 Ambush: 15 farmers murdered in Adoka district.
- December 2023 Raid: Okpokpo village attacked, 12 dead, houses burned.
- Feb 7, 2025: Murder of 5 hunters in Okpomaju village, Okete Ward .
- April 1, 2025: Asa 2 Otukpo attack – 1 mother + 1 other killed, kidnappings triggered protests.
- April 4, 2025: Attack on government-owned bus at Ikobi – driver + 2 others killed; 13 abducted.
- April 16–17, 2025: Otobi community attack – 11 killed, homes burnt; follow‑up raids injured locals .
Tactics Used:
- Night raids to catch victims unprepared.
- Targeting community leaders to weaken resistance.
- Infiltration through forests: Militia hide in nearby bushes before striking.
- Targeted assassinations: Killing of community leaders to weaken resistance.
- Cattle grazing on farmlands: Deliberate destruction of crops.
Humanitarian Impact:
- Urban displacement: Many rural dwellers flee to Otukpo town, causing overcrowding.
- Increased crime: Desperation leads to rising theft and violence in IDP camps.
- Trauma and PTSD: Survivors suffer severe psychological effect
Ohimini LGA: Fields of Despair
Notable Attacks:
- August 2018 Massacre: 30+ killed in Idekpa and Ugboju villages.
- November 2021 Attack: 15 slaughtered in Efeyi after herdsmen overran the village.
- February 2024 Ambush: 10 killed along Otukpo-Enugu Road.
Tactics Used:
- Road ambushes: Travelers and farmers attacked while moving.
- Sexual violence: Reports of rape and gender-based violence.
- Destruction of churches/shrines: Cultural and religious erasure.
Humanitarian Impact:
- Fear-induced migration: Youth flee to cities like Abuja and Lagos.
- Loss of cultural heritage: Traditional practices abandoned due to displacement.
- Malnutrition: Lack of access to farmlands leads to hunger.
Ado LGA: Extermination grounds
Notable Attacks:
- January 2018 Massacre: Over 50 killed in Ulayi and Igama villages.
- September 2020 Attack: 20+ dead in Ekile after herdsmen burned homes.
- April 2023 Raid: Igumale invaded, 15 killed, including a pastor.
Tactics Used:
- Collaboration with bandits from Ebonyi.
- Land grabbing of deserted villages.
- Collaboration with bandits: Increased cross-border attacks from Ebonyi.
- Use of arson: Whole villages set ablaze.
- Cattle occupation: Herdsmen take over abandoned homes.
Humanitarian Impact:
- Cross-border displacement: Many flee to Ebonyi State.
- Land grabbing: Fulani herdsmen occupy deserted farmlands.
- Breakdown of law and order: Vigilante groups take over policing
Ogbadibo LGA: Harvest of Sorrow
Notable Attacks:
- March 2018 Attack: 25 killed in Ai’Ono and Itabono-Owukpa.
- October 2022 Raid: 15 dead in Enyihe after midnight invasion.
- May 2023 Massacre: 30+ killed in Okpoga when herdsmen stormed the town.
Tactics Used:
- Destruction of bridges to block reinforcements.
- Forced recruitment of youths into militia.
- Night raids: Attackers strike when villagers are asleep.
- Destruction of infrastructure: Bridges and roads destroyed to hinder reinforcements.
Forced conscription: Youth forced to join militia or be killed.
Humanitarian Impact:
Severed communication: Villages cut off from help.
- Child soldiers: Some youths coerced into joining militia.
- Economic sabotage: Palm oil and yam farming (key livelihoods) destroyed.
Okpokwu LGA: the dead lands
Notable Attacks:
- May 2017 Massacre: 40+ killed in Efeche and Amejo villages.
- January 2021 Attack: 20 slaughtered in Ugbokolo market attack.
- August 2023 Invasion: 15 dead in Ichama after herdsmen ambushed mourners.
Tactics Used:
- Market attacks to maximize casualties.
- Blockades: Militia cut off access to food and aid, to starve communities.
- Psychological warfare: Spreading rumours to cause panic.
- Use of informants: Locals forced to spy on their communities.
Humanitarian Impact:
- Starvation cases: Lack of food aid due to blockades.
- Distrust among communities: Fear of informants creates division.
- Declining population: Continuous emigration leaves villages empty.
Obi LGA: the bloodlands
Notable Attacks:
- June 2018 Attack: 30 killed in Obarike-Ito after herdsmen stormed the town.
- March 2022 Massacre: 25 dead in Adum when herdsmen invaded at dawn.
- November 2023 Raid: 10 killed in Onyagede as herdsmen burned farms.
Tactics Used:
- Cattle militarization: Herdsmen graze with armed escorts.
- Destruction of schools: To prevent education and keep communities vulnerable.
- Silent killings: Isolated murders to avoid media attention.
Humanitarian Impact:
- Education collapse: Schools shut down, children miss years of schooling.
- Silent suffering: Few media reports due to underreporting.
- Economic decline: Farmers too afraid to return to fields
Oju LGA: Place of Destruction
Notable Attacks:
- October 2017 Massacre: Over 50 killed in Oboru and Okoklo villages after herdsmen launched a dawn raid, burning homes and farms.
- May 2020 Attack: 25+ killed in Iyade when armed herdsmen ambushed farmers returning from fields.
- February 2023 Invasion: 30 dead in Adokpu after a coordinated attack, with survivors fleeing to Otukpo and Makurdi.
- Oju communities such as Edikwu, Ikobi, and Ochumekwu have been invaded, burned, and largely deserted.
- Between April–May 2025, daily raids forced complete community abandonment during farming season.
Tactics Used:
- Dawn raids to catch and kill villagers unprepared.
- Destruction of churches/schools to erase community identity.
- Use of informants to track local vigilante movements.
Humanitarian Impact:
- Mass displacement into Oju town and neighbouring LGAs.
- Severe food crisis due to burnt farmlands.
- Education collapse as schools remain closed for safety.