The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, has stated that intelligence and operational findings from security missions across Benue State do not support allegations of an organised Islamist campaign aimed at taking over indigenous lands in Benue and the wider North-Central region.
Speaking on Saturday while reviewing the security landscape and challenges facing security agencies, Gara explained that most violent incidents in the area are rooted in criminal behaviour, retaliatory attacks, breakdowns in law and order, and weak local dispute-resolution systems.
He noted that although clashes between farmers and Fulani herders continue to generate tension, security investigations have not uncovered evidence showing that displaced communities have had their lands permanently occupied by herders or any other group.
“I have personally visited several displaced communities. To my knowledge, I have not seen any non-indigene come forward to claim ownership of land belonging to communities in Benue.
“I have repeatedly asked for evidence of any community that has been permanently occupied following displacement of its indigenous population, but none has been presented,” he said.
According to the commander, some incidents involving destruction of farmlands have been traced to poor livestock management, including situations where cattle were left unattended or placed under the care of underage herders.
He stressed that continuous dialogue, public sensitisation and stronger conflict-management mechanisms could significantly reduce such occurrences.
Gara further observed that the strong cultural attachment of Benue communities to their ancestral homes makes claims of widespread territorial occupation difficult
