Anwase, located near the border between Nigeria and Cameroon, stands as a testament to neglect and vulnerability. Despite its strategic position, the community lacks even the most basic infrastructure, including a police post, leaving residents defenseless against relentless attacks.

For years, the people of Anwase, Kwande LGA of Benue State and surrounding areas have endured waves of violence, primarily attributed to marauders originating from Takum in Taraba State. These attackers have systematically displaced indigenous populations, occupying their lands and erasing their ties to the region.

A Pattern of Violence and Neglect

In moments of crisis, government responses have been insufficient at best and negligent at worst. After every attack, a token presence of police is dispatched to the area. However, these officers often spend mere minutes at the scene before retreating to Makurdi, offering no meaningful protection. On one harrowing occasion, police arrived during an ongoing attack, but when residents pleaded for intervention, they claimed they lacked the mandate to engage the marauders.

Since 2014, the people of Moon council ward in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) have been completely displaced. The marauders have expanded their reach, successfully invading Mbaikyor council ward in recent years. Today, the entirety of Moon council ward and over half of Mbaikyor council ward are under the control of these attackers.

Anwase: A Refuge Under Siege

Anwase has become a refuge for those fleeing the violence, but even here, safety is elusive. The 2024 Christmas Day killings, which claimed over 25 lives, highlight the persistent danger residents face. The late Orya Korinjo’s village, conquered in 2014, serves as a grim reminder of the marauders’ strategy: once they displace the indigenous population, they destroy all property and evidence of prior ownership, ensuring the land remains permanently in their hands.

More Than Farmers and Herders: A Coordinated Agenda

Contrary to government narratives framing this conflict as a dispute between farmers and herders, those on the ground recognize a broader and more sinister agenda. Historically, Fulanis who sought grazing land for their cattle would approach local elders respectfully, use the land, and depart once finished. Today’s marauders, however, operate with a different motive: permanent land acquisition backed by high-profile sponsors.

These attackers are highly organized and well-armed, with thousands hiding in the bush at any given time. Their weapons are far more sophisticated than what local communities can muster. What is unfolding is not a mere conflict over resources but a modern-day jihad aimed at territorial conquest.

A Community Devastated

The cost of this violence is staggering. Entire communities have been uprooted, and countless lives have been lost. Young men who might have defended their villages have been consumed by the violence, leaving the community depleted of those who could resist or rebuild.

A Call for Recognition and Action

The leaders of Kwande LGA and other stakeholders are well aware of the situation, yet meaningful action remains absent. Instead of addressing the crisis, political leaders are preoccupied with partisan concerns, ignoring the existential threat facing their people.

This is a plea for justice and immediate action. The world must recognize the atrocities being committed and demand accountability from the Nigerian government. The people of Anwase and Kwande LGA cannot continue to endure this cycle of violence and neglect. Their plight is a reminder that when governance fails, innocent lives are left to bear the cost.