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Before Kwara, Kogi “Kiss” Plateau — Benue Under a Cloud of Death
MAKURDI, Nigeria — Violence and attacks are spreading fast across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, pushing Benue into a dangerous “cloud of death” long seen in Plateau State. Now, Kwara and Kogi appear ready to be drawn in.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In recent weeks, communities in Plateau and Benue states have faced mass killings, abductions, and property destruction. According to rights groups, over 6,896 people have died in Benue since 2023, making it one of the hardest hit states. In Plateau, at least 2,630 lives have been lost in this period.
The violence has been linked mostly to banditry, armed groups, and farmer-herder clashes. Many rural areas now live in fear. The attacks often come without warning, leaving residents with no time to flee.
Benue: Under Siege
In Benue, entire villages have been attacked, homes burnt, and farmlands destroyed. In Ukum and Logo local government areas, gunmen struck communities, leaving many dead and displacing inhabitants.
Agriculture in the state has taken a heavy blow. A recent academic study shows insecurity caused crop and livestock output to drop sharply. Many farmers say they cannot go to their farms for fear of attack, and markets are starving for produce.
Plateau’s Wound Continues
Plateau State has a long history of violent conflict between farming and herding communities. In early April, coordinated attacks struck several communities in Bokkos Local Government, leaving scores dead.
With security weak, many villages are now empty as people flee to towns or to states perceived to be safer.
Kwara, Kogi: Next on the Line
While Benue and Plateau are bleeding, signs now point to Kwara and Kogi as new targets.
In Kwara, claims emerged that bandits have taken control of nine local government areas. The government denied it, saying the information is false.
Also in Kwara, recent attacks have killed and abducted residents in vulnerable communities
Kogi is also under stress. Gunmen recently killed police officers and a passerby, and a vigilante commander was in turn targeted.
These incidents suggest that the violence may be “kissing” — or creeping into — states that until now had been relatively safer.
Why the Spread?
Experts say the government’s slow response and weak security structures are partly to blame. In many rural areas, locals feel abandoned. They say security forces arrive too late or not at all.
The cycle of impunity is strong: many attacks go unresolved, and few culprits are caught. This heightens fear and allows more violence to spread.
Pressure is also rising from population displacement. In Benue and Plateau, tens of thousands have been displaced. Some are moving toward Kogi and Kwara, seeking refuge. Their arrival could stretch already fragile security systems.
What Must Be Done
To stop the spread, experts and civil society call for:
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Stronger, faster response by security forces to early warning signs
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Community policing and intelligence gathering in vulnerable communities
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Justice for victims, to break impunity
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Support for displaced persons, including shelter and food
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Security guard plans for farms, so rural life can resume
Nigeria’s Middle Belt is at a crossroads. If nothing is done, the violence in Benue and Plateau will not remain there — Kwara and Kogi may soon feel the same devastating “cloud.”
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
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