Kwande: Benue indigenes raise alarm as violence consumes 50 in 2 months

The Turan Development Association (TUDA) Friday urged Benue state governor Hyacinth Alia to take urgent action to address the worsening security crisis in Turan communities, which have suffered significant attacks and displacement.

TUDA in press statement signed by President General, Mr. Festus Terkura Iorkyaa and Secretary-General Mr. Emmanuel Ijever said contrary to the governor’s recent statement that peace has returned to Kwande, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

The group said the Turan community has witnessed relentless violence, with at least 50 persons killed between December 2024 and February 2025.

TUDA also said homes, farms, and properties have continued to be destroyed, leaving the Turan people displaced with many living in fear, hunger, and despair.

The group said the governor’s assertion points to the fact that he has not been adequately briefed by security agencies and his aides on the true state of affairs in Turan.

“As the Chief Security Officer of the state, the governor has a fundamental responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all communities.

“The ongoing violence demands immediate intervention, enhanced security presence, and a concrete plan to restore stability and allow displaced persons to return safely to their ancestral homes.

“We urge the governor to take urgent and decisive action to prevent further loss of lives and destruction in Turan land,” the group said.

TUDA also expressed deep concern over recent remarks made by the governor, accusing former Secretary to the Government of Benue state, Engr. Prof. Joseph Alakali, of fraudulent activities, describing it as unjust and damaging to the elderstatesman’s reputation, as well as Turan people.

In a related development, the Movement for Turan Liberation (MTL), in collaboration with Turan Youth Volunteers, also on Friday carried out a peaceful protest in Jato-Aka, Kwande local government area to express their deep concerns over the persistent killings of innocent Turan people by Fulani herdsmen.

The protesters who were joined by numerous Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), said there is no peace in Turan and killings have continued unabated.

They also called on both federal and state governments to take urgent steps to intervene in the humanitarian situation.