By Safiyat Muhammed – Makurdi
Former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), has renewed his call for Nigerians to defend themselves against persistent attacks by suspected herdsmen, as the death toll from recent killings in Benue State surged to 56 over the weekend.
Speaking in Takum, Taraba State, during an appreciation event for his staff, General Danjuma declared that the situation in parts of Nigeria, including Benue, Plateau, Ondo, and Kwara States, has escalated into a full-blown war.
“This is not the time for fear. I have said before and I am repeating it: rise and defend yourselves. These killers are well-armed and determined to take your land. You must match their determination,” Danjuma said to a crowd that included Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas.
The retired General and former Chief of Army Staff said the failure of government to effectively protect lives has left citizens with no option but to prepare for self-defense. He expressed concern that the attackers seemed to have access to sophisticated weapons, warning that only proactive community defense could stop further carnage.
Governor Kefas commended Danjuma for his unwavering commitment to the development of Taraba State, highlighting his contributions in healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
Benue Governor Alia: “This is Real War”
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has confirmed that the death toll from coordinated attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas has risen to 56. He described the situation as nothing short of “a real war.”
The governor made this known during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected communities over the weekend.
“In Logo, the number of deaths has reached 27, and in Ukum, 28 people have been killed,” he announced. “We have recovered corpses, and some families have already buried their loved ones with security escort. This is no time to sleep with both eyes closed.”
Communities such as Ugondo, Tyuluv, and Gbagir were attacked in what has been described as a wave of coordinated and deadly raids by suspected herdsmen.
Governor Alia lamented the scale of the violence and displacement, calling for urgent intervention from the Federal Government.
“I appeal to the Federal Government to support us. Benue is under siege. The suffering of the people must stop,” he said, while also pledging that the state government will cover the burial and medical expenses of victims.
Rising Tension in Kwara as New Terror Group Emerges
In a related development, residents of Kaiama and Baruten LGAs in Kwara State are living in fear following reports that a new terrorist group, identified as Mahmuda, has resumed violent operations in the area, engaging in kidnapping and targeted killings.
Security sources indicate that the group’s activities are increasing, raising fresh concerns about insurgency in the North Central region.
