Following the mass killings in Benue State over the weekend, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security chiefs to urgently implement his prior instructions aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the president renewed his order in response to a new wave of reprisal attacks in Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people are feared dead. Intelligence operatives, police, and military personnel have since been deployed to the area.
The attacks sparked widespread protests across Makurdi, with irate residents blocking the Food Basket Roundabout and demanding an end to what they describe as “systematic slaughter” and occupation of their ancestral lands. Protesters carried palm fronds and placards with messages like “End the Benue killings now” and “We will not surrender our ancestral homes to Fulani.”
Despite appeals from Benue State Police Commissioner Ifeanyi Emenari and Deputy Governor Samuel Ode, protesters refused to vacate the scene until popular activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), arrived to mediate. His emotional address calmed tensions, with many protesters moved by his vivid account of seeing “children burnt to ashes.”
Presidential Reaction and Security Measures
In his directive, President Tinubu condemned the attacks as “inhuman and anti-progress.” He called on Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to urgently lead reconciliation talks among affected communities to address the roots of the conflict.
“This bloodletting must not continue. I’ve directed security agencies to act decisively and arrest the perpetrators on all sides,” Tinubu said.
The President also warned political and community leaders against making inflammatory statements that could worsen tensions, calling for “responsible leadership across ethnic and political lines.”
Security Forces Mobilized
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun is expected in Benue today to assess the situation. Commissioner Emenari confirmed the deployment of Police Tactical Teams and Special Forces, emphasizing that operations are ongoing in affected regions. He also stated that bandits were repelled during a six-hour gun battle in Yelwata.
“We feel your pain. We are here for no other reason than the protection of lives and property,” said CP Emenari.
Meanwhile, villagers in Yelwata praised the prompt response by police forces, crediting them with preventing an even higher death toll.
Condemnations and Calls for Justice
In Rome, Pope Leo XIV led global prayers for victims of what he called a “terrible massacre,” especially in rural Christian communities. He urged for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria.
Human rights organization Amnesty International Nigeria also issued a statement urging the Nigerian government to end the “almost daily bloodshed” in Benue and ensure that perpetrators face justice.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the killings as a national emergency, urging citizens to hold their leaders accountable.
“These killings highlight Nigeria’s worsening security crisis. We must demand sustainable solutions,” Atiku said, calling for urgent relief, trauma counselling, and compensation for victims’ families.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy during a visit to Yelwata, condemned the attacks and pledged that the state government is working to restore peace.
“No reason is acceptable for the taking of innocent lives,” said Alia’s office.
As military patrols intensified across Makurdi, farmers continued to flee their communities amid fear of fresh attacks.
