Location Intelligence - Benue State

Activity Pace

The security situation in Benue has seen a significant increase in incidents, with a 33.3% rise from 66 to 88 incidents between January 1, 2025 to May 14, 2025 and January 1, 2026 to May 14, 2026. This uptick is accompanied by a 43.6% decrease in fatalities from 250 to 141 and a 19.5% decrease in victims from 293 to 236. The increase in incidents suggests a heightened state of insecurity, despite the reduction in human cost.

Rising Risk

Homicide has emerged as the most frequent risk in Benue, accounting for 31 incidents between January 1, 2026, and May 14, 2026. This is followed closely by kidnapping with 16 incidents. The presence of bandits as the primary actors, responsible for 42 incidents, underscores the need for heightened vigilance against violent crimes, particularly in the most affected LGA, Guma.

Severity Level

Insufficient lethality data for this period to accurately assess the deadliest risk type with a fatality rate, as specific fatality rates per risk type are not provided. However, the overall decrease in fatalities from 250 to 141 suggests a reduction in the lethality of incidents.

Future Outlook

Given the stable monthly incident trend, with a notable decrease in incidents from April to May 2026, the near-term outlook for Benue suggests a potential stabilization of the security situation. The absence of incidents in May 2026, coupled with the stable seasonal comparison, may indicate a temporary reprieve. However, the ongoing presence of bandits and the history of violent incidents necessitate continued vigilance and proactive security measures.