Fresh tension is brewing in parts of Benue State following allegations that about 200 cattle were killed during a security clearance operation involving personnel of Operation Zenda.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of August 26 in Azege and Ayimbe communities, around Ayilamo in Logo Local Government Area, near Akhor in neighbouring Guma Local Government Area.
Sources familiar with the development said the incident, which occurred at about 4 a.m., initially sparked reports that armed local militias had stormed a Fulani herders’ settlement and slaughtered the livestock.
However, preliminary findings cited by security sources later pointed to a different account, alleging that the cattle were killed or wounded during a clearance operation conducted by personnel of Operation Zenda in the affected communities.
According to the sources, some of the cattle were killed outright, while others were evacuated from the area. Several animals were also said to have suffered serious machete wounds.
The development has raised fears of possible retaliation, particularly in communities where relations between farming populations and herders remain fragile.
In the aftermath, some affected herders reportedly distributed the carcasses of cattle that could not be moved to residents of Akhor Community free of charge after attempts to transport the meat to urban centres for sale reportedly failed.
Concerned by the rising tension, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) were said to have intensified patrols around Akhor and Iordey communities.
The patrols were reportedly aimed at strengthening security presence, restoring calm and preventing any reprisal attacks that could further worsen the situation.
Residents in the affected areas were said to be increasingly apprehensive, with fears that the killing of the livestock could become a trigger for fresh violence between herders and farming communities.
Security sources also expressed concern over what they described as an emerging pattern in which cattle are allegedly killed or butchered during clearance operations and the meat subsequently removed or distributed.
They warned that such developments, if established, could undermine security operations by creating fresh grievances among already vulnerable communities.
The concerns come against the backdrop of longstanding disputes between farmers and herders in several parts of Benue, where disputes over land, grazing routes and attacks have repeatedly heightened tensions.
Security observers stressed that operations intended to restore peace must be conducted with professionalism, restraint and strict adherence to established rules of engagement.
They cautioned that the loss of livestock, destruction of property or any perception of injustice could easily become a catalyst for revenge in communities already living under intense suspicion and fear.
The latest allegations have therefore triggered calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the conduct of Operation Zenda personnel and the events that led to the reported deaths and injuries to the cattle.
Stakeholders also urged the government and security authorities to ensure that future operations protect civilians and their property while preventing actions capable of escalating communal tensions.
They further called for greater transparency and accountability in security operations, arguing that the effectiveness of any security formation depends not only on its ability to confront armed groups but also on the trust it enjoys among the communities it is deployed to protect.
Operation Zenda is part of Benue State’s security architecture established to respond to insecurity, including attacks, kidnapping, communal violence and other criminal activities.
The operation involves personnel drawn from security agencies and carries out activities such as patrols, arrests, clearance operations and interventions in areas considered vulnerable to violence.
As tension simmers in the affected communities, residents and stakeholders are now awaiting further clarification from the relevant authorities on what transpired during the controversial operation and whether disciplinary or investigative measures will follow.
Source:@ZagazolaMakama
