A Call To Action
Date of Visit: March 11–12, 2025 Lead Organization: BENGONET Team Leader: Daniel Aondona Seer (Vice Chairman, BENGONET) Purpose of Visit The assessment visit to Turan in Kwande Local Government Area was undertaken by a five-member delegation from BENGONET, following a call to action by Dr. Raymond Anumve, Executive Director of DRAF. The mission was to evaluate the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. In partnership with the Turan Development Association (TUDA), the team interacted with 699 displaced persons across nine informal settlements (clusters). Key Findings:: 1. Protracted Conflict: The crisis has persisted since 2011, primarily fueled by long-standing boundary disputes between the Turan people of Benue State and the Jukun people of Taraba State. Reports indicate alleged collaboration between the Jukun communities and Fulani herders in the forced displacement of Turan residents, possibly with backing from influential actors in Taraba State. 2. Failure in Law Enforcement: The poor implementation of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law (2017) has emboldened violent incursions by herders, contributing to continued insecurity. 3. Inadequate Security Presence: A glaring lack of security personnel in the affected areas has left communities highly vulnerable to attacks. 4. Poor Infrastructure: The absence of accessible roads hampers both timely security response and the safe evacuation of residents during attacks. 5. Neglected Humanitarian Needs: Despite the displacement of over 150,000 individuals, predominantly women and children, there are no formalized IDP camps or coordinated relief efforts in the entire Kwande LGA. Humanitarian Impact • Casualties: Estimated 5,700+ lives lost due to the ongoing violence. • Displacement: Over 150,000 displaced across 6 out of 9 districts in Turan Council Ward. • Property Destruction: Losses exceeding ₦2 billion, including homes, farmland, and other assets. • Economic Disruption: Livelihoods have collapsed, particularly for women and youth, leading to heightened poverty and unemployment. • Limited Access to Services: Displaced persons lack access to essential services such as healthcare, education, markets, and religious institutions. Recommendations 1. Inter-Governmental Dialogue: Convene an emergency meeting involving the Benue and Taraba State governments, the National Boundary Commission, and community leaders from both states to resolve the long-standing boundary disputes. 2. Stronger Enforcement of Grazing Law:The Benue State Government must intensify enforcement of the 2017 Open Grazing Prohibition Law to deter further violence. 3. Enhanced Security Deployment: Establish a military base on the Benue side of the border and deploy additional security personnel. Community vigilante groups should also be supported and strengthened. 4. Infrastructure Development: Construct access roads to facilitate security operations and improve community mobility during emergencies. 5. Emergency Humanitarian Response: The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) should urgently establish IDP camps in affected areas and deliver comprehensive humanitarian assistance, including shelter, food, healthcare, and sanitation.