Genocidal attacks, land grabbing in Benue State: FENRADS calls for urgent govt, action to protect lives, livelihood

Stanley Ihedigbo

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) a Human Rights advocacy organization has strongly condemned the ongoing genocidal attacks and violent land grabbing in Benue State, which have led to the tragic loss of innocent lives, displacement of thousands, and destruction of ancestral farmlands and homes.

In a statement signed by the Executive Director, FENRAD; Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, he stated that what is unfolding in Benue is not only a humanitarian crisis but a gross violation of human rights and a threat to national security.

Reports indicated that communities in Guma, Logo, Agatu, and other local government areas have come under sustained attacks by suspected armed herders and militia groups.

These attacks are systematic and appear aimed at forcefully displacing indigenous populations and seizing their lands for occupation and control.

FENRAD viewed the development as an act of environmental and cultural genocide, where communities are stripped not only of their homes and means of livelihood but also of their ancestral ties to the land, which holds historical, spiritual, and economic significance.

We note with deep concern the failure of security agencies and the federal government to arrest the situation decisively.

Despite repeated cries from affected communities, faith leaders, civil society organizations, and international observers, there has been no adequate protection or justice for victims. Instead, impunity reigns.

We therefore demanded immediate and strategic deployment of security forces to protect vulnerable communities in Benue and prevent further bloodshed.

An independent judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the killings, displacement, and land grabbing, and to hold perpetrators accountable. Restoration and protection of displaced persons through coordinated state and federal intervention, including resettlement, reconstruction, and psychosocial support.

Protection of ancestral lands from illegal occupation and conversion, in line with Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights frameworks. A National Policy on Internal Displacement and Land Use to address recurring land conflicts, climate-driven migration, and ethno-religious violence in Nigeria.

The federal government must recognize that failure to act is complicity. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy when certain groups are allowed to be exterminated silently and dispossessed of their land without consequence.

FENRAD calls on the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, and the international community to speak out and demand justice for the people of Benue. Silence is no longer an option.