The residents of Mbatsaida community in Benue State have been forced to flee their ancestral homes following a fresh wave of deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen, leaving behind a ghost town now overtaken by fear, destruction, and silence.
When SaharaReporters visited the area, the once-bustling agrarian settlement had been completely deserted.
Homes stood empty, farmlands abandoned, and signs of hurried escape were evident across the community.
Displaced residents have now taken refuge in a neighbouring settlement identified as Agena community, where they struggle daily for survival.
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Speaking during the visit, the village head, Chief Gbakaa Lorpine, recounted a long history of violence, alleging that repeated warnings to authorities were ignored, allowing the attacks to persist over the years.
“I am Chief Gbakaa Lorpine, the village head of Mbatsaida community, where people were displaced on the 4th of this month by a herdsmen attack,” he began.
According to him, the crisis dates back over a decade.
“This issue started long ago, since 2014. We were first attacked by herdsmen on March 24, 2014. It happened in the morning, around 6:20am. The attackers invaded the community, shooting repeatedly and killing 15 people. Several others were injured and taken to the hospital.”
He insisted the violence was unprovoked, blaming it on disputes over grazing activities that had long been reported to authorities without response.
“This did not happen because we offended them. They had been grazing in our community, destroying our farmlands. We made several attempts to report to the police and even to the chief security officer of the state. I personally reported the matter to security advisers, my district head, and other authorities, but no action was taken.”
The attacks, he said, escalated in 2018 with even more devastating consequences.
“The same community, Mbatsaida, a kindred from Malong, was attacked again on May 6, 2018, by herdsmen, killing 18 people, including two reverend fathers. On that same day, another attack occurred in Baikal, within the same district, along Baikal Council Road, where about 18 people were also killed.”
Chief Lorpine said residents again reached out to security agencies in desperation as the attacks unfolded.
“We reported these incidents to the police and contacted security officers while the attacks were ongoing. At the time, Mrs. Comfort Abo was the transition chairman of the local government. I reported the matter to her and other security personnel, but nothing was done.”
Despite the tragic history, the violence resurfaced yet again this year.
“This year, on April 4, there was another attack. About 11 people were killed and several others were injured. We have now been displaced. We have nothing to eat where we are taking refuge. We have lost everything.”
Describing the latest attack, the village head said it occurred in the early evening and caught residents completely off guard.
“The attack happened on April 4 at about 5:12pm. I do not know exactly where the attackers came from. They did not use motorcycles or vehicles. They entered through the marketplace and started shooting. Eleven people were killed, and several others were wounded.”
He narrowly escaped death during the incident.
“At the time, I was in my house. I had to run into the bush wearing only my underwear. I could not go back inside to pick up any clothing because of the attack.”
Beyond the killings, he lamented the total collapse of livelihoods in the community, noting that farming—their primary source of survival—had been destroyed.
“We have nothing to eat where we are taking refuge. Our farmlands have been destroyed. We are struggling to survive. People are afraid to return because there is no security.”
While some individuals and groups have provided limited assistance, he stressed that what the community truly needs is protection and the ability to return home.
“Although some individuals have come to support us, I am appealing to the government to provide security so we can return to our ancestral land. We do not want to remain displaced, depending on aid.”
He revealed that he had personally reached out to government officials in a bid to prevent further attacks.
“I also reached out to the governor through his security adviser, though I cannot recall his name at the moment. I informed him about a route between Omi, Aze Duku, and Agana, which the attackers frequently use.”
According to him, establishing a security presence in that corridor could significantly curb the attacks.
“If the government can establish a permanent presence there, such as a facility or security post, it would help prevent these attacks. That would be more effective than just giving us relief materials.”
He also highlighted the destruction of essential resources, particularly water sources, as part of the community’s suffering.
“In addition, the government should help provide a reliable source of water, as the attackers continue to destroy the only water source we have. That is one of our major challenges.”
