Benue ranching: NKST alleges 5,987 members killed, 753 churches destroyed

The Universal Reformed Christian Church, widely known as NKST Church, has vehemently rejected the Nigerian Federal Government's proposed pilot ranching program in Benue State. The church cites devastating losses, claiming that 5,987 of its members have been killed and 753 places of worship destroyed in attacks attributed to armed herdsmen.

NKST argues that the proposed ranching initiative, intended to address farmer-herder conflicts, would instead intensify the violence and insecurity that its members have endured. The church's rejection underscores the deep-seated mistrust and ongoing conflict in the region, where clashes over land and resources have led to significant loss of life and property.

By highlighting the scale of casualties and destruction within its community, NKST seeks to draw attention to the severe impact of the farmer-herder crisis. The church's stance suggests that a ranching program, without addressing the root causes of the violence and ensuring adequate security, would not resolve the underlying issues but potentially worsen the situation for vulnerable communities like theirs.