The Tombo Development Association, TODA, has called on the Federal and Benue State governments to take urgent and decisive action to end the persistent attacks on communities in Tombo, Logo Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.
TODA, in a statement signed by its President, Benjamin Uzenda, and Secretary, Valentine Tyokighir, expressed concern over the continuous killings and displacement of residents, saying the situation had persisted for more than a decade.
The association particularly condemned the recent attack on Ayilamo settlement, which it said claimed the lives of several residents and personnel of the Police Mobile Force deployed to provide security in the area.
It said, "We are deeply saddened by the continuous violent attacks on the Tombo community of Logo Local Government Area in Benue State by terrorists who disguise as herdsmen."
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According to the association, the response of both the state and federal governments to the insecurity had not been sufficient to halt the attacks and protect residents.
"We are worried that the actions of the state and federal governments appear seriously not enough to end the challenging insecurity that has taken many lives of our community members and security personnel deployed to provide safety and peace in our domain," it said.
TODA said the latest attack on Ayilamo had further heightened the need for authorities to demonstrate stronger commitment towards ending the bloodshed.
It noted that "the Tombo community has remained on the knife's edge of the herdsmen more than a decade," adding that the prolonged insecurity had forced many residents from their ancestral homes.
The association called for decisive action against those responsible for the attacks, warning that continued violence could undermine confidence in the ability of the state and federal governments to protect citizens.
It said, "The Tombo people have always cooperated with governments and will continue to do so for promotion of peace and development," but expressed concern that large numbers of residents remained displaced with little hope of returning to their communities.
TODA further lamented that residents were living in fear, alleging that killings had continued to occur in the area. "It worries more because the community yearning for protection of life and property lives in fear as no day passes without the terrorists killing a kinsman," the statement added.
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The group also warned that the prolonged displacement and attacks could worsen food insecurity in Benue and beyond, given the agricultural importance of the affected communities.
"TODA expresses fear that the unceasing attacks will jeopardize food security not only for the community but the entire Benue State and Nigeria at large," it said.
The association also appealed to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, as well as individuals and organisations, to urgently respond to the humanitarian needs of displaced victims.
It urged relevant authorities to intensify efforts to restore security, protect lives and property and create conditions for displaced residents to return to their ancestral communities.
