Aboajio Community Seeks FG, Benue, Taraba Intervention Over Insecurity, Neglect

By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Residents of Aboajio, a border community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, have appealed to the Federal Government and the Benue and Taraba state governments for urgent intervention over persistent insecurity, poor infrastructure and displacement.

The appeal was made by Engr. Tyozua Terdoo Titus, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AJATEC Solutions Nigeria Limited and Founder of Tyozua Cares Foundation, who warned that continued neglect could expose the community to further attacks and humanitarian challenges.

According to Tyozua, Aboajio, located in Mbazun Mbaterem Council Ward near the Benue-Taraba boundary, requires stronger security measures and basic infrastructure to protect lives and livelihoods.

“We need help before the next attack, not after the next funeral,” he said.

Tyozua said concerns over the community’s security intensified following an attack on August 16, 2026, in Aboajio and neighbouring settlements.

He said the Benue State Police Command confirmed that an attack occurred at about 7 a.m., resulting in deaths and injuries.

Community sources, however, claimed that about 10 people may have been killed across Aboajio, Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina and Ukpen. The higher casualty figure could not be independently verified.

Tyozua urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, the number of casualties and those responsible.

“Behind every casualty figure is a human being — a father, mother, child, farmer, breadwinner or young person whose future has been abruptly terminated,” he said.

Border Location Raises Security Concerns

Aboajio lies between communities around Kyado and Joortar in Ukum and the Rafin-Kada area of Wukari in Taraba State.

Tyozua said the community, with an estimated population of about 9,000 people, has over the years accommodated families displaced by violence from neighbouring areas.

He said communities including Tor-Musa, Tor-Yorshaer, Apiirgwa, Tse-Yawe and Gbabo-Awhadi have had residents seeking refuge around Aboajio.

“Aboajio has served as a safe haven for people running away from violence elsewhere. It is painful that a community that has sheltered displaced people is now becoming vulnerable itself,” he said.

He argued that the community’s strategic location makes coordinated security cooperation between the Benue and Taraba governments particularly important.

Tyozua also called for sustained dialogue to address longstanding communal, farmer-herder and land-related disputes affecting communities along the border corridor.

Tyozua Seeks Permanent Security Presence

The community leader appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to establish a permanent security presence around Aboajio and other vulnerable communities.

He recommended sustained deployment of Mobile Police personnel and other tactical units, alongside community-based early-warning systems involving traditional rulers, farmers, women and youth groups.

He also called for investigations and prosecution of those responsible for attacks, regardless of their ethnic, political or social affiliations.

“A crime committed in a remote village must not become a crime without consequence simply because that village is far from Makurdi or Abuja,” Tyozua said.

Community Seeks Construction of Strategic Road

Tyozua also appealed for the construction and rehabilitation of the road linking Kyado, Dajo, Ayaba, Ikpuur and Aboajio, with a connection to the federal highway at Melabu.

He said the project should be considered both an infrastructure and security priority because improved road access could reduce emergency response times and facilitate the movement of security personnel.

According to him, better roads would also improve access to markets, healthcare and schools while supporting agricultural activities.

Aboajio is predominantly an agricultural community where residents depend on crops such as yam and groundnut, as well as livestock production.

“The people of Aboajio are farmers. They are not asking for special treatment. They simply want an environment where they can go to their farms and return home alive,” Tyozua said.

Appeal for Humanitarian Assistance

Tyozua further called on the National Emergency Management Agency, Benue State Government and other relevant authorities to assess the humanitarian situation in the affected communities.

He said displaced families require shelter, food and livelihood assistance, while injured residents need adequate medical treatment.

He also sought support for widows, traumatised children and farmers who may have lost crops, livestock or other sources of livelihood.

Beyond immediate humanitarian assistance, Tyozua urged the government to provide functional primary healthcare facilities, potable water, electricity and adequately equipped schools in Aboajio and neighbouring settlements.

He maintained that providing essential services would strengthen economic activity, education and public confidence in government.

Aboajio Lists 10 Demands

The community is specifically seeking a permanent security presence along the Benue-Taraba border corridor; investigation of the August 16 attack; emergency assistance for displaced families; community-based early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms; and construction of the Kyado-Dajo-Ayaba-Ikpuur-Aboajio road.

Other demands include improved healthcare services, upgraded schools and teacher deployment, potable water and rural electrification, support for affected farmers, and sustained peacebuilding involving the Federal Government, Benue and Taraba governments, traditional institutions and community leaders.

Tyozua said addressing the challenges confronting Aboajio should not be viewed merely as assistance to one rural community but as part of broader efforts to strengthen security, agriculture and economic stability along the Benue-Taraba border.

He urged the authorities to intervene before another attack occurs, stressing that residents deserve access to security and basic services necessary to live and work safely.