In Benue State, central Nigeria, growing insecurity is threatening the livelihoods of over 6 million residents. Since January, violent attacks—mostly on farmlands—have led to the deaths of hundreds, including women and children, and displaced thousands across 17 local government areas.

Farmers accuse herders of land-grabbing and violence, but the state government says mercenaries from neighbouring West African countries may be behind the unrest. The crisis has sparked widespread concern over food shortages and rising unemployment in one of Nigeria’s key agricultural hubs.

MOM LAZ, chairperson of BENGONET, a coalition of over 200 NGOs in the state, highlights the need for urgent reforms. She is calling for stronger cross-border surveillance, better intelligence sharing, and the creation of state police as lasting solutions to Benue’s deepening security woes.