Farmers operating in the Benue Valley have raised fresh alarm over worsening insecurity in rural communities, alleging that kidnappers collected more than N100 million in ransom within two months.
The United Farmers Association in the Benue Valley, in a statement issued at the weekend, said at least 47 farmers and residents were kidnapped between November and December 2025, with families forced to pay huge sums to secure the release of their loved ones.
They also alleged rising cases of killings, abductions and sexual violence in parts of Benue and Nasarawa states.
The statement, signed by the association’s president, Chief Denen Dennis Gbongbon, alleged that some abductees were killed even after ransoms were paid, while others remain missing, deepening fear and humanitarian distress across affected farming communities.
The group also claimed that no fewer than 23 women and girls were sexually assaulted within the same period, describing the situation as a grave security and humanitarian crisis, particularly for displaced persons and women living in vulnerable rural settlements.
Citing specific incidents, the farmers’ association referenced the abduction of Pastor John Okafor of the Deeper Life Bible Church on December 25, 2025, in Kadarko town of Nasarawa State, which borders Benue, adding that the cleric was reportedly released five days later after a ransom of about N5 million was paid.
The association accused security agencies and local authorities of failing to provide adequate protection for rural dwellers and internally displaced persons, especially those living in camps, and called for a thorough investigation into alleged security lapses.
It further appealed to the Federal Government, humanitarian organisations and the international community to urgently intervene to restore security, protect farming communities and support displaced families affected by the escalating violence.
