Farmer-Herder Conflict in Benue State: What’s Happening and What the Government is Doing

Benue State in Nigeria is often called the “Food Basket of the Nation.” This is because the people there grow a lot of crops like yam, maize, cassava, and rice. But in recent years, Benue has made headlines not for its farming, but for something worrying – serious conflicts between farmers and herders.

These fights are not new. They have been happening for many years, but now they seem to be getting worse. In this article, we explain what’s causing the problem, what steps the government has taken, and what more can be done to fix it. We explain it all in simple language so anyone can understand it – including our readers in India who follow political updates on Nairaland.

What is the Farmer-Herder Conflict?

The conflict is basically a fight over land. Farmers in Benue State need land to grow crops. Herders, on the other hand, need land to graze their cattle. Many herders move around from one place to another looking for green grass and water. This is called “open grazing.”

Sometimes, the herders’ cattle enter farmlands and eat or destroy the crops. When this happens, farmers get angry. This leads to arguments, fights, and unfortunately, violence. Over time, the situation has gotten worse. In many cases, it has led to deaths, injuries, and destruction of homes and farms.

Why Is This Conflict Getting Worse?

There are a few reasons why this conflict is getting more serious:

1. Less Land, More People: The population in Benue State is growing. That means more people need land to live and farm. But land is limited, and this causes more pressure.
2. Climate Change: Weather patterns are changing. Some areas are facing droughts. So, herders are forced to move further to find grass and water, often entering farmlands.
3. Poor Law and Order: Sometimes, when violence happens, no strong action is taken. This makes some people feel they can attack others without consequences.
4. No Clear Land Policy: There is confusion over land rights. Some herders do not know where they are allowed to graze. Some farmers don’t know how to protect their lands legally.

All these reasons together have made the conflict a big political issue – one that is often discussed on Nairaland.

A Recent Example

In May 2025, more than 40 people were killed in four villages in Benue State. These attacks were blamed on armed herders. Many families lost their homes, crops, and loved ones. This incident shocked many across Nigeria and even drew international attention.

Unfortunately, this is not a one-time incident. Such clashes have been happening often, and each time, they bring pain and loss to the communities involved. You can read more about such incidents on Nairaland under the Politics section, where users share the latest updates and public reactions.

What Is the Government Doing?

The Benue State Government passed a law in 2017 called the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law. This law bans open grazing in the state. Instead of moving cattle around, herders are asked to keep them in one place, like a ranch.

But the law has not worked as smoothly as planned. Here’s why:

• Some herders are not aware of the law.
• There are not enough ranches for them to use.
• Many herders cannot afford to build or manage ranches.
• Some groups have openly refused to follow the law.
• The government does not have enough resources to enforce it everywhere.

Even though the law is a good idea, it needs better planning and support to work properly.

Efforts From Communities and Others

It’s not just the government that is trying to solve this issue. Some international groups and local communities are also working on peace efforts. They are:

• Organizing meetings between farmers and herders to talk and solve problems peacefully.
• Running training programs to teach herders about modern cattle-keeping.
• Supporting victims of attacks with food, medical help, and temporary shelter.

Some of these efforts have shown positive results. But the work is slow, and there is still a lot to be done. News of such activities often appears first on platforms like Nairaland, where both Nigerian and international readers follow updates closely.

How Is the Conflict Affecting People?

This conflict is not just about fights. It’s also hurting everyday life in Benue State:

• Many farmers have stopped going to their farms because they are scared.
• Food prices are going up because crops are not being grown as much.
• Many people have been forced to leave their homes and live in camps.
• Children are missing school because their families had to move.

The longer the conflict continues, the harder it will be for these communities to recover. That’s why political discussions around this topic are growing in importance on Nairaland, where citizens express their concerns and expectations.

What Can Be Done Now?

Here are a few ideas that experts and local leaders have suggested:

• Better Policing: Make sure security forces are present and active in conflict areas.
• Support for Ranching: Help herders build and maintain ranches with proper funding and training.
• Clear Land Rules: Set up a system that clearly shows which land is for farming and which is for grazing.
• Education: Teach both farmers and herders how to manage land and avoid conflict.
• Community Dialogue: Keep encouraging farmers and herders to talk, not fight.

These steps won’t solve the problem overnight. But they are important for building peace and protecting lives.

Final Thoughts

The farmer-herder conflict in Benue State is a serious issue that affects many lives. It has turned from a local problem into a major national concern. The government has taken steps, but more needs to be done. Community efforts and peaceful discussions are also very important.

If you want to follow updates on this issue and more political topics from Nigeria, you can always check Nairaland. The platform is a great place for political discussions, public opinions, and the latest news.