Fear has once again gripped residents of Tse-Kalema community in Mbazun, Ukum LGA of Benue State, following the tragic killing of a young man, Lucky Tsetim, by suspected armed herdsmen.
According to locals, Lucky had gone to his farm on Tuesday when the attackers struck. He was found lifeless, reportedly killed by gun-wielding herders who have been terrorizing the area in recent times.
Residents say this is not the first incident of its kind, and that attacks by Fulani militias in Tse-Kalema have become alarmingly frequent, leaving many farmers too scared to return to their land. The community now lives in fear, with families afraid of venturing out, even for basic needs.
“We are no longer safe in our own homes. Our farms have become death traps,” a worried resident said. “How long will we continue to bury our young people while nothing is done?”
Community leaders and villagers are now urging security agencies to act fast before the situation escalates further. As of the time of this report, efforts to get an official statement from the Benue State Police Command proved unsuccessful, as calls to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, were not returned.
The killing has once again thrown a spotlight on the fragile security situation in Benue, especially in communities frequently exposed to violent clashes between farmers and herdsmen.
