Terseer Ugbor, the Member of the House of Representatives representing the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in Benue, has sounded an urgent alarm over the growing threat posed by Fulani bandits in the state, warning that the situation could severely impact the nation’s food security.
During a press conference in Abuja, Ugbor revealed that more than 40% of Benue’s arable farmlands have been overtaken by the bandits, putting the state’s agricultural economy in grave jeopardy.
“The major problem with this issue is the food security that it is going to bring, especially on our people in Benue and Nigeria as a whole,” Ugbor stated. “As of the last information we have, over 40% of the arable farmlands in Benue State have been taken over by the Fulani bandits.”
He emphasized that the escalating violence is not only disrupting farming activities but also leading to a significant decline in agricultural production. Ugbor further highlighted the gravity of the situation, mentioning recent attacks, including one where bandits targeted an immigration outpost in the area.
“The bandits dared to attack an immigration outpost—the only standing security presence in the community—and burnt it down,” Ugbor explained. “It didn’t have the capacity to defend itself, but at least it provided a semblance of security.”
The situation has also spilled over into neighboring Cameroon, as Ugbor shared details of the bandits’ retreat into Cameroonian territory, which led to an exchange of gunfire with Cameroonian gendarmes.
“The Cameroonian gendarmes attacked them and killed so many of them,” Ugbor said. “This became headline news in Cameroon, where they mentioned that Nigerian Fulani bandits are killing and attacking the Cameroon military.”
Adding to the alarming developments, Ugbor revealed that the bandits recently killed 13 people near the Kashim Bila area, further exacerbating the crisis.
“Our farmers are unable to go to their farms, and the production capacity of the state has dropped significantly due to the loss of produce and farmlands,” Ugbor said.
He concluded by urging for better management of the international border with Cameroon and the activation of an Export Processing Zone, which could help turn the region into an economic hub. “This is a very rich and prime area for economic activities and prosperity for Nigeria and for Benue State,” he said.