FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday, 8th April 2025, called on the State Government to urgently intervene in the ongoing communal conflict between the Dzev and Mbaikyaa kindreds of Shangev-ya over a long-disputed forest land. The crisis, which has persisted for several years despite numerous peace efforts, escalated recently, prompting the Assembly’s decisive call.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, made the appeal during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Makurdi, following a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Kwande West Constituency, Hon. Pharmacist Thomas Dugeri.
Hon. Dugeri informed the House that on 6th April 2025, renewed violence broke out over the same disputed land, involving members of the Mbaper and Dzev kindreds. The clash led to the destruction of lives and properties, including the burning of houses, farmlands, and other assets estimated to be worth millions of naira.
The House expressed concern that the crisis has now expanded to include the Mbapev kindred, thereby increasing the scope and intensity of the conflict. Lawmakers warned that without immediate and decisive government action, the situation could escalate further, resulting in more loss of life, displacement of residents, and a deeper breakdown of peace and trust among the affected communities.
In its resolution, the House called on the Benue State Government to:
Take immediate possession of the disputed forest land as a measure to restore lasting peace;
Deploy adequate security personnel to the affected communities to maintain peace and prevent further violence;
Direct the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) to urgently provide relief materials to displaced and affected persons.
Signed
Veronica Azemba
For Head of Centre, Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
