The Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Benue State, where repeated violent attacks on communities have resulted in mass displacement, loss of lives, and widespread destruction of property.
In s statement issued by the Executive Director Partners West Africa Nigeria, Mrs Kemi Okenyodo says the attacks largely attributed to armed criminal elements and have become alarmingly with minimal visible deterrence.
PWAN described the persistent failure to protect lives and prevent the atrocities as a clear breakdown of preventive and responsive mechanisms at the local, state, and federal levels.
It calls for urgent coordinated and proactive security deployment, enhanced intelligence gathering, and strengthened civilian oversight.
The group emphasized that political leaders must demonstrate the will to act decisively, allocate resources effectively, and enforce institutional accountability.
"Anything less," PWAN warned, "will only entrench a culture of impunity and further erode public trust in governance and the rule of law."
The statement notes that, PWAN is particularly alarmed by the devastating impact of the attacks on women, children, and the elderly.
It maintains that, the displacement has left thousands vulnerable to hunger, exposure, and violence, with women and girls facing increased risks of gender-based violence, including sexual exploitation and abuse.
Children have been cut off from education and healthcare, while many elderly persons often unable to flee—have been left behind during attacks.
The violence has also severely impacted food security in Benue and beyond as Nigeria’s "Food Basket,"
"Benue plays a vital role in national agricultural production. The destruction of farms, displacement of farmers, and loss of livestock have significantly reduced food availability, worsening the hunger crisis and threatening regional food systems"
PWAN therefore calls on the Federal Government to urgently deploy coordinated security operations to protect civilians and restore order.
It also urges the Benue State Government to strengthen its humanitarian response, particularly in supporting women, children, and displaced populations.
Furthermore, security agencies must act swiftly to prevent the illegal occupation of abandoned lands by individuals suspected of links to the violence.
PWAN also appeals to the National Assembly to fulfill its legislative oversight responsibilities and to promote policies that address land-based conflicts, the proliferation of armed groups, and climate-induced displacement.
“Benue State must not be allowed to slide into protracted insecurity and neglect.
The situation demands urgent, sustained, and inclusive action that prioritizes human dignity, civilian protection, and long-term peacebuilding,” the statement concluded.
Partners West Africa – Nigeria (PWAN) stands in solidarity with the people of Benue and remains committed to supporting rights-based, gender-responsive, and community-led approaches to national security and social justice.
