Benue Under Siege: Fear Grips Agatu, Guma, and Logo Over Imminent Herdsmen Attacks

 

​A wave of intense anxiety has swept across several communities in Benue State following credible reports of imminent attacks by armed herdsmen. As of Monday, February 23, 2026, residents of Obagaji in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) have been placed on high alert after security warnings circulated across social media and community platforms. This development follows a weekend of escalating tension in Guma and Logo LGAs, where sightings of armed men and the destruction of farmlands have left locals fearing a repeat of previous "bloodbaths." The situation remains fluid, with community leaders pleading for urgent government intervention to prevent a catastrophic breakdown of law and order.

​Agatu Community on High Alert

​In Obagaji, the headquarters of Agatu LGA, residents woke up to urgent security alerts on Monday morning. Intelligence reports suggest that armed groups are converging and approaching the settlement, prompting many to reach out to security agencies for immediate protection. The alert specifically urged families to maintain constant communication and remain vigilant, as the threat is considered "credible."

​While the Benue State Police Command has yet to issue a formal statement confirming the specific movement, the sheer volume of reports from locals indicates a community living on the edge. Many in Agatu, a region historically plagued by violent clashes, fear that without a significant increase in security patrols, the "renewed hope" for peace in the state may be short-lived.

​Guma and Logo: Sightings and Farm Destructions

​The fear in Agatu mirrors the panic currently gripping the Nyiev Council Ward in Guma LGA and Mbavuur Council Ward in Logo LGA. Over the weekend, residents in Guma reported spotting a group of armed men moving through the Orogbo area. Alarmingly, witnesses noted that these individuals were moving without cattle, leading to suspicions that they are either kidnappers or a hit squad preparing for a coordinated strike.

• ​In Guma LGA: Women going to their farms reportedly encountered the armed group but were fortunate to escape unharmed.
• ​In Logo LGA: Suspected herders have already begun a "scorched earth" campaign, with residents in the Tse Agee/Orkigh community alleging that their cassava farms and yam barns are being systematically destroyed.

​These farm invasions are often precursors to larger-scale violence, as they serve to displace locals and ruin their livelihoods before a full-scale assault is launched. Community leaders have warned that the current "silent invasion" could rapidly evolve into a humanitarian disaster if the military and police do not deploy tactical units to these rural flashpoints immediately.

​The Government's Response: Forensic Experts and Security Vows

​Amidst this growing fear, the Benue State Government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, is attempting to strengthen the judicial and security framework of the state. On Monday, the Governor received a team of federal forensic pathologists to gather evidence regarding previous massacres, such as the Yelewata killings. This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure that perpetrators of such violence face justice in a court of law.

​However, for the residents currently hiding in their homes in Agatu and Guma, justice for past crimes is less pressing than the immediate need for protection. The Director-General of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (rtd), has assured the public of the state’s commitment to safety, but the vast and porous borders of these local government areas make constant monitoring a logistical challenge.

​The Humanitarian and Economic Cost

​The recurring cycle of attacks in Benue—Nigeria’s "Food Basket"—has devastating implications for national food security. When farmers are too afraid to visit their fields in places like Logo and Guma, the supply of yams, cassava, and maize drops, leading to increased food prices across the country. The current "imminent threat" has already forced many to abandon their harvests early, preferring safety over their source of income.

​As the community leaders in Agatu and Guma have pleaded: "Lend us a voice before it becomes a bloodbath." The next 48 hours are critical for the security forces to prove their effectiveness in de-escalating the tension and restoring the confidence of the Benue people.