Kwande Under Siege: Ugbor Calls for Border Security, Resettlement and Development

Makurdi — A member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Terseer Ugbor, has raised fresh alarm over renewed attacks in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, describing the persistent killings and displacement of residents as a grave threat to the peace, security and prosperity of the state.

In a comprehensive statement made available to The Spatula News, the lawmaker lamented that over the past few days, communities in Kwande have again come under coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen and bandits, leading to the death of innocent citizens, the destruction of homes and the displacement of thousands now living as internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Hon. Ugbor noted that the recent violence is part of a long-standing crisis, stressing that for more than 15 years, border communities in Kwande have suffered repeated waves of attacks with little sustained effort to fully resettle victims or rebuild affected areas.

According to him, the prolonged insecurity has deepened poverty, disrupted economic activities and increased restiveness among the people. He specifically warned that the Turan and Ikyurav-ya axis, which borders Cameroon and Taraba State, is fast becoming a haven for criminal and terrorist elements due to its vast landmass and mountainous terrain.

The lawmaker further linked the worsening security situation to the discovery of precious mineral deposits in the area and the rise in illegal mining activities, which he said have fueled criminality and heightened tensions within host communities.

To address the crisis, Hon. Ugbor proposed a set of far-reaching measures aimed at restoring peace and ensuring sustainable development in Kwande Local Government Area and Benue State at large.

He called on the Benue State Government to immediately provide logistical support and accommodation for the activation of the Border Patrol Unit already approved by the Inspector General of Police, to ensure constant patrol of border areas with Taraba State and Cameroon.

He also urged the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), in collaboration with the Benue State Government, to develop the international border with Cameroon into an Export Processing Zone and economic hub. The proposal includes the establishment of an international market, storage facilities, cold rooms, a trailer park, access roads, as well as Immigration, military, Customs and DSS border units to stabilize security.

Hon. Ugbor further appealed to the National Boundary Commission to demarcate internal boundaries between Benue and Taraba states, resettle displaced persons and restore farmlands to their rightful owners.

On mining activities, he called for a comprehensive mapping of solid mineral resources in Kwande by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Benue State Government and the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency. He also advocated a total ban on illegal mining, strict enforcement by security agencies, and the proper vetting and implementation of Community Development Agreements, including compensation for environmental degradation.

The lawmaker also urged the Federal Government to accelerate the training and recruitment of local youths into the Nigerian Forest Guards and other security services to protect forests and farmlands from bandits and illegal occupiers.

In addition, he tasked the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with sourcing local and international funding for the construction of resettlement homes, hospitals and schools for displaced persons and vulnerable communities.

As a long-term strategy, Hon. Ugbor proposed the designation of the Kwande hills and forests as a protected reserve under the National Park Service, paving the way for the establishment of the proposed Kwande National Park for tourism, agriculture and wildlife conservation.

He expressed confidence that the sincere and comprehensive implementation of these measures would bring lasting peace to Kwande, strengthen security across Benue State and guarantee sustainable development for future generations.

Reaffirming his commitment, Hon. Ugbor said he has consistently raised the issue of insecurity in Benue on the floor of the National Assembly and through public engagements, adding that he will continue to push for solutions until peace is fully restored.

He disclosed that he has supported community policing initiatives and provided relief materials to IDPs, including the donation of motorcycles, security kits and a temporary border police station to enhance security.

The lawmaker also highlighted ongoing development efforts in the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, revealing that approvals have been secured for the establishment of key federal institutions, including a National Open University study centre, a Forestry Research Centre, a Technology Incubation Centre, an Infectious Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, and a Federal Medical Centre sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende.

“With the implementation of the proposed security measures and the establishment of these institutions, our constituency will soon emerge as a leading hub for research and development, environmental conservation, trade and industry,” he stated.

Hon. Ugbor extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attacks and to those living with the trauma of violence, assuring them of his continued support and commitment to peace.

“God bless Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, God bless Benue State and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.