Insecurity may disrupt 2027 elections in Benue — Lawmaker warns

A member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Agatu Constituency, Godwin Edoh, has warned that insecurity could hinder the conduct of the 2027 general elections in Agatu Local Government Area if urgent action is not taken.

Speaking with journalists in Makurdi on Monday, the lawmaker expressed concern over persistent attacks in the area, noting that several communities have been abandoned over the past four years due to repeated assaults by suspected herdsmen.

He said, “As I speak to you now, in Obagaji (headquarters of Agatu), for instance, we have deployment of Air Force, soldiers, special police squad and Civil Defence personnel.

“Despite the presence of these security agents, all the people from the hinterlands have relocated to the LG headquarters in Obagaji.

“Some of those villages in the hinterland have been deserted, the people can no longer engage in farming and fishing because those are the two sources of livelihood in the council.

“My fear is that if this attack continues unchecked, it will be difficult for the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct the 2027 general elections in the areas, because they are not accessible right now.”

Edoh further stated that essential facilities such as schools, markets, and primary healthcare centres in the affected communities have been destroyed.

He, however, commended the directive issued by Governor Hyacinth Alia, ordering security forces to clear criminal elements from forest areas in the state.

The lawmaker expressed hope that proper implementation of the directive would restore calm and enable displaced residents to return home.

He also urged both federal and state authorities to extend ongoing housing programmes for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to the area, to support resettlement efforts.

Meanwhile, displaced residents who had sought refuge in Obagaji recently staged protests over their prolonged stay in camps, calling for assistance to return to their homes and livelihoods.

Insecurity may disrupt 2027 elections in Benue — Lawmaker warns