Newscenter Media News 
Fear has enveloped the Tyoshin community of Gwer-West Local Government Area in Benue State over the large influx of suspected armed herdsmen into the area.
This was disclosed in a statement by the National President, Prof Patrick Ukase and Secretary, Prof John Ajai of the Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA).
The forum called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly to address the development.
They expressed dismay over a statement by the Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, who, in a viral video, stated that all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State, including those from Gwer-West, had returned to their ancestral homes.
The FoTA described the statement as “false”, noting that it does not reflect the realities on the ground.
“The commissioner’s statement appears to be a figment of his imagination rather than a reflection of lived realities in affected communities. There are several villages in Gwer-West Local Government Area that residents cannot safely access,” it insisted.
“Many people have not returned to their homes due to fear of being attacked. Others are displaced but no longer stay in official camps; they are scattered across neighbouring communities, living with relatives or in temporary arrangements.
“To suggest that there are no longer Internally Displaced Persons in Benue State, particularly in Gwer-West LGA, under these conditions, gives a false picture of reality. It risks creating the impression that all is well when, in fact, many communities remain vulnerable and exposed,” the statement said.
FoTA said it is in possession several credible reports from residents that the herders were already encroaching on farmlands, grazing on cultivated fields and destroying standing crops.
The group said such development could be a prelude to attacks on vulnerable farmers, and it called on relevant authorities to act without delay.
“We wish to draw the attention of the Benue State Government, relevant security agencies and the general public to the renewed and increasing influx of armed Fulani herders into Gwer-West Local Government Area in large numbers.
“FoTA has received repeated reports from residents and farmers that the herders are already encroaching, grazing on cultivated fields and destroying standing crops. This is a clear indication that the herders are not here solely to graze but may pose a serious threat to residents,” it stated.
The forum said the situation is causing panic and anxiety in the community and not be treated with levity by the authorities.
“Gwer-West is one of the areas that has suffered greatly from continued herdsmen attacks, displacement and loss of livelihoods. FoTA is raising this concern at this early stage, not to inflame tensions, but to prevent a situation that could further worsen the community’s condition if ignored,” the group added.