Dr. Vincent Gisaor, a lecturer in the Department of Economics at the Federal University, Wukari, shared this information during a symposium organized by the Benue State government in Makurdi, titled: 'The Socio-Economic Development of Benue State: The Journey Ahead.'

Dr. Gisaor referred to data from Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) from 2010 to 2022, the Nigeria Police Force between 2009 and 2022, and the 2014 Report of the Benue State Committee on Conflict Resolution and Peace Building. He noted that insecurity had severely impacted Benue State's rural economy and had left the people in poverty.

He reported that "over 28,997 persons are reported dead in all the recent insecurity incidents in the state. Some deaths have not been officially reported while some deaths are even on-going up to this moment of presentation."

"The crisis had also led to the destruction of five police stations and 33 markets in various parts of the state, resulting in the suspension of law and order and economic activities related to production, distribution, and exchange. This, in turn, intensified poverty among the Benue people, as the destruction of lives, homes, crops, farms, and domestic trees made it challenging for affected individuals to restart their livelihoods."

“Hence the total collapse of farming and other economic activities has raises the prospect of rural unemployment, farming and starvation in the affected communities.

“Farm produce destroyed has been estimated at over N21billion while over 54,476 houses have been reportedly destroyed excluding thatched houses.”

While lamenting that insecurity was a major challenge to the economic growth and development of the state, Dr. Gisaor urged that the menace be tackled headlong to get the state back on track.