By Vincent Ekpo
Renewed attacks and arson have triggered fresh panic in parts of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, forcing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who recently returned to their homes to flee once more.
The affected returnees, particularly in Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward, have reportedly begun abandoning their communities amid fears of escalating violence following the re-emergence of suspected armed herders.
A spokesperson for the displaced persons in the area, Joseph Apahar, said the situation worsened shortly after the suspension of military airstrikes, which he claimed led to a “massive influx” of herders.
“Many of those who returned home are now leaving again due to fear of renewed attacks. The presence of herders has increased significantly across Mbayer/Yandev, and residents no longer feel safe,” he said.
Apahar identified Daudu, Gungu Aze, Ukohol and Udei as communities currently on edge, noting that past attacks on the towns were allegedly linked to movements from the Mbayer/Yandev axis.
“Typically, smaller surrounding villages are overrun first before the attackers advance to larger settlements. That pattern is what is fuelling fears again,” he added.
In a related development, suspected armed herders reportedly attacked Kyaribo and Shamija villages in Mbalagh Council Ward on Thursday night.
However, residents had earlier fled to nearby Odori following prior threats.
A local source said the attackers, who struck at night, set houses ablaze after discovering the communities had been deserted.
“They came expecting to meet residents but found the villages empty. They proceeded to burn down homes, including newly constructed huts,” the source said.
The incident has heightened tension in neighbouring communities such as Tse Keleke, Orsar, Ortwav, Agbeke and Antse, where some residents had only recently begun returning to their farms.
According to the source, the persistent violence and uncertainty have left residents in distress, with growing calls for urgent government intervention to restore security and enable safe resettlement.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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