By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Forum of Mbakpa and Raav communities in Benue State has asked the Federal Government to direct security personnel deployed to Gwer West Local Government Area to act decisively against attackers in the area.
In a press statement made available to journalists on Saturday, and signed by its leaders, Dr. Thaddeus T. Utor and Dr. Richard Gbawuan on behalf of the Tyoshin community, the forum condemned the renewed attacks and killings of defenseless people in Tyoshin, Gwer West LGA, allegedly by Fulani militia.
The group expressed dismay over the February 18, 2026 attack on Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West LGA, where many people were reportedly killed despite the presence of security personnel.
“There have been sustained attacks on our people and communities, making it impossible for many displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes.
“It is deeply troubling that these armed groups continue to operate despite the reported heavy deployment of security personnel in the area. On February 28, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., armed Fulani militia attacked Naka town and killed many residents, while others were killed along the Naka-Agagbe road without security intervention.
“We want security agencies to be decisive against our killers. The Federal Government should direct them to confront the militia with superior firepower to end the attacks,” the forum demanded.
The forum further raised concerns that communities in Gwer West were under siege by Fulani militia, who allegedly kill anyone attempting to access ancestral homes or farms.
“The Gwer West communities are under siege by Fulani militia. They kill anyone who dares attempt to access either farms or ancestral homes.
“Our people are living in fear, struggling daily for survival because our communities are under siege. The most troubling aspect of the situation is that the attackers carried out the assault and fled without any resistance from security personnel.
“As a community, we lack the capacity to adequately defend ourselves against these armed attacks. We appeal to the Federal and State Governments to urgently intervene decisively and restore security to our communities,” the group decried.
The forum also called on peace advocates, both within and outside Nigeria, to amplify the plight of the helpless residents of Gwer West in order to draw the attention of the international community. It urged all relevant authorities to act swiftly to stop the killings and restore peace and safety in the area.
