Sankera, located in Northeast Benue State of Nigeria, is comprised of three local government areas, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum. The Sankera area spans about 5,450 square kilometers, making it significantly larger than Anambra State's 4,884 square kilometers and roughly comparable to the sizes of Imo and Ebonyi states. It is nearly the same size as Palestine, which encompasses an area of 6,000 square kilometers and is fifteen times larger than Gaza (also twice the size of Luxembourg).

The area is known for its fertile land, making agriculture a major economic activity. The region is one of the reasons why Benue State is called “the food basket of the nation”. Sankera is a key agricultural hub where Farming is not just an occupation but a way of life, passed down through generations.  The Key Crops are as follows; 

• Yams – Benue produces over 70% of Nigeria’s yams, the largest share in the country. Sankera is a major contributor.  

• Cassava – Benue accounts for over 15% of Nigeria’s cassava output.  

• Soybeans – Benue supplies over 30% of Nigeria’s soybeans, a critical crop for oil and animal feed.  

• Rice & Maize – The state contributes over 10% of national production, with increasing cultivation.  

• Other Crops – Benue also produces significant quantities of sesame (beniseed), sorghum, beans, rice, sorghum, groundnuts and sweet potatoes.  

• Fruits – Oranges, Lemons (various varieties of citrus fruits), Water Melon, Mangoes (several varieties of Mangos Crops), Cashews and pawpaw.

• Vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, peppers and green vegetables.

Benue (including Sankera) is one of Nigeria’s top three food-producing states, alongside Taraba and Kano.  The state’s agricultural output helps feed major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.  Many markets across Nigeria, including the famous Mile 12 (Lagos) and Dei-Dei (Abuja), rely on food supplies from Benue.  

The region's food production supports local markets and supplies other parts of Nigeria.   It is not a peculiar sight to see trailers loading foodstuff to take to Abuja, Kano, Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. The region also has significant livestock farming, with cows, pigs, goats, poultry and fish farming a source of revenue for farmers.

This area was once the world's largest producer of yams in the world and an agricultural powerhouse producing over 20% of Nigeria food produce but has been under the control of local bandits and herders for the past decade, resulting in severe food insecurity.

This area has been a focal point of ethnic tensions and violent conflicts. In recent years, Sankera has continued to experience severe security challenges. The region has been plagued by violent crimes, including killings, kidnappings, and banditry. Between 2015 and 2024, over 5,000 lives were lost due to these conflicts, posing a significant threat to the state’s stability and food productivity.  In 2024 alone, over 1,000 individuals were killed, and 2,000 villages were sacked by armed herdsmen in the Sankera axis.  These ongoing conflicts have led to massive displacement, with nearly 3 million people internally displaced since 2016, marking a severe humanitarian crisis. 

Sankera, and Benue State as a whole has endured relentless bloodshed caused by terrorist herdsmen on one side and local bandits on the other, now exacerbated by a collaboration between the two terror groups.

Criminal gangs also known as bandits have taken over the various communities and to make it worse, the Fulani militias have been raiding villages, burning houses and killing men, women and even children and taking control of the ancestral land masses.

According to UNICEF, there are currently 500,000 children experiencing stunted growth and malnutrition. Significant portions of Sankera's land are devoid of motorable roads, and the few healthcare centres, primary schools, and secondary schools have remained abandoned for years. This neglect has resulted in a noticeable decline in living standards and educational quality.

Benue State has witnessed substantial loss of life, with over a million individuals displaced and property destruction amounting to billions of naira. The ongoing conflict has led to a considerable population of internally displaced persons, extensive damage to schools and markets, disruption of economic activities, and widespread poverty and destitution.

The persistent insecurity in Sankera has profoundly affected the livelihoods of its residents, especially women. Contributing factors such as youth restiveness, perceived injustice, an inadequate security system, erosion of socio-cultural values, unemployment, greed, and the proliferation of small arms have been identified as sources of the region's instability. Despite these challenges, achieving justice remains problematic, leaving communities in a state of perpetual suffering.

Addressing the complex security situation in Sankera necessitates a multifaceted approach, including the strengthening of the security apparatus, the promotion of social justice, and the enhancement of economic opportunities to mitigate the factors driving the conflict.