Samuel Agwa, Convener of the Benue Open Governance Society, has argued that the persistent violence in Benue State extends beyond what is commonly described as a herder-farmer conflict, saying communities continue to suffer deadly attacks while perpetrators evade arrest.
Speaking during an interview aired on Channels Television and published on its official YouTube channel on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Agwa said the pattern of violence witnessed across the state over the past several years points to a broader security challenge.
“I personally don’t believe there is a herder-farmer crisis in Benue; most of what you are seeing in Benue over the past five to seven years is not about a cow eating a farmer’s yam but about communities waking up daily only for some people to come, attack them, burn down their homes, leave, and never get caught,” he said.
Agwa maintained that the recurring attacks, destruction of homes and loss of lives should prompt authorities to look beyond disputes over grazing and examine other underlying security issues.
He cautioned that characterising the violence solely as a herder-farmer crisis could overlook important factors that require thorough investigation and coordinated responses.
The civil society leader also called for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies, stressing the need for improved intelligence gathering, preventive measures and greater protection for vulnerable communities.
Agwa said lasting peace in Benue would depend on sustained cooperation between residents, government and security agencies, adding that confronting the realities of the insecurity is essential to addressing the state’s recurring violence.
