The Commander of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has stated that the ongoing insecurity in Benue State is largely driven by criminal activities rather than a coordinated land-grabbing agenda as often suggested in public discourse.
Speaking during a security briefing, the commander explained that intelligence reports and operational findings indicate that most violent incidents in the state are linked to armed criminal groups, cattle rustling networks, and opportunistic attacks rather than organized territorial expansion. He noted that while communal tensions exist in some areas, they do not fully account for the scale of violence recorded in recent times.
The OPWS leadership emphasized that security forces are intensifying operations across identified flashpoints in Benue and neighbouring states to curb attacks and restore peace to affected communities. He added that joint security operations are also working closely with local stakeholders to improve intelligence sharing and early warning mechanisms.
The statement comes amid ongoing debates about the root causes of violence in Benue, with some groups attributing the crisis to herder–farmer conflicts and alleged land acquisition attempts. However, security authorities maintain that criminality remains the dominant factor.
Residents have been urged to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities, as efforts continue to stabilise the region and ensure lasting peace.
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