Suspected herdsmen reportedly kill 5,987 NKST members, destroy 753 churches in Benue

The Universal Reformed Christian Church, also known as NKST, has strongly opposed the Federal Government's proposed pilot ranching program in Benue State. In a statement released by their General Secretary, Rev. Ta Targba, the church expressed deep concern over the 5,987 members killed and 753 worship centers destroyed by armed herdsmen in Benue and neighboring states.

Targba emphasized that selecting Benue as a pilot state for the ranching program was unacceptable, given the immense suffering of its people. He stressed that thousands of displaced individuals are still unable to return to their ancestral communities, making their restoration and resettlement a more urgent priority. Targba highlighted that Benue is an agrarian society with deep-rooted connections to its land, which has been the source of livelihood, homes, and various institutions for generations.

He questioned the decision to choose Benue for the pilot scheme after years of violence and displacement, arguing that the people of Benue deserve to be heard before the government resorts to land reallocation. The church urged the federal government to prioritize the restoration and resettlement of displaced communities and to ensure adequate security for the safe return of displaced persons.

Furthermore, the NKST demanded that any government intervention should support the reconstruction of homes, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, roads, water infrastructure, and churches destroyed during the attacks.