Renewed insecurity has gripped parts of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, following reports linking a local militia group led by one Oraernyi, popularly known as “Heavy,” and armed herders to a series of attacks and widespread destruction of farmlands in Mbajir community.

Residents said the situation escalated on Sunday when gunmen allegedly invaded Tse Akoso, setting farmlands ablaze and vandalizing crops, forcing many villagers to flee their homes.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, alleged that a community leader (name withheld) was aiding the attackers and had threatened to harm anyone who exposed the activities of the armed herders.

“The threats are meant to silence victims and conceal the role of local collaborators in the escalating violence,” the source said.

He further alleged that the militia led by “Heavy” often operates in collaboration with armed herders during attacks on communities such as Tse Akoso and Danzulu, making it appear as though the assaults were carried out solely by herders.

“Two armed herders identified as Bado and Musa, who were involved in previous attacks, are being protected by the militia. They now move freely between Tse Dunchi and Abony, along the Ukum boundary — an area deserted after earlier violence,” he added.

The resident warned that the ongoing attacks could lead to the permanent displacement of villagers from their ancestral homes as farmlands — especially yam and cassava plantations — continue to be destroyed.

“We are appealing to traditional rulers, the local government chairmen of Ukum and Katsina-Ala, and the Benue State government to act urgently before more lives are lost,” he pleaded.

Community members are calling for the immediate withdrawal of armed herders from the affected areas to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace to the troubled region.