Sam Ode, deputy governor of Benue, says the attacks in the state are a calculated effort by armed herdsmen to seize ancestral lands from indigenous communities under the guise of open grazing.
Ode spoke on Friday when he received a delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United States congressional staff on behalf of Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, during a courtesy visit to the government house in Makurdi, the state capital.
The deputy governor said the continuous attacks on rural communities are aimed at forcefully displacing the native population to pave the way for uncontrolled grazing, a practice he described as outdated and unsustainable.
“These conflicts are not religious,” he noted.
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“They are deliberate attempts to sack indigenes from their lands. The pressure on land, coupled with archaic grazing methods, is at the heart of this crisis.”
He said ranching is the only viable and modern solution, noting that it aligns with global standards and would restore peace and order in affected areas.
“We are committed to working with the federal authorities to ensure peace and security for our people,” he added.
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The UNHCR and US delegation visited the internally displaced person (IDP) camp at the Makurdi International Market.
Ode said it showed a clear demonstration of the delegation’s genuine concern and willingness to understand the true picture of the humanitarian crisis.
“Our books are open. We are ready to collaborate with humanitarian partners to ensure accuracy in data and effectiveness in response. We believe in international best practices,” he said.
Jessie Ainslie, a UNHCR official in the US who led the delegation, conveyed condolences to the Benue state government.
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“News of the attacks has reached Washington, and Americans are following developments here closely, she said.
The delegation is expected to visit Guma LGA to engage with locals participating in peacebuilding initiatives.
