It is believed that more than 200 people have died in a series of attacks across various communities in Benue, in the last few days alone.
Authorities say thousands have been forced to flee their homes.
The state has been at the centre of a violent conflict between herders and farmers that has led to the killing of thousands of civilians and many members of the security forces in Nigeria’s so-called Middle Belt going back many years.
Herders, mostly from the Fulani ethnic group, move around to find food for their cattle, bringing them into conflict with the owners of farms, who say the cattle trample their crops and pollute water sources.
Some of them are armed with powerful guns, saying they need to protect themselves from cattle thieves.
Many blame the authorities for not providing more security or coming up with policies that address the economic needs of both communities.