The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has applauded the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for the swift arrest of the suspected mastermind behind the recent massacre in Yeletawa, Benue State, which claimed several lives and left property destroyed.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director of Communication & Media, NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the arrest as a strong indication of the security agencies’ commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.
Issa-Onilu noted that the prompt response has brought much-needed relief to the affected communities and the nation as a whole, while also serving as a deterrent to those planning similar atrocities.
He praised the tireless efforts of the security forces and highlighted the significance of the arrest in the context of the National Values Charter, under which peace and security are core promises made by leaders to the people.
The NOA DG also commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive leadership, recalling the president’s directive during a visit to Benue State that security agencies should bring the perpetrators to justice.
Issa-Onilu further acknowledged the effective synergy among security agencies, which he said was critical to the operation’s success. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting law enforcement by providing timely and accurate information to aid their efforts.
Reaffirming NOA’s commitment to unity, patriotism, and national integration, he called on all Nigerians to embrace peace and work together to build a stable and secure nation.
Chair of Ekason Group, Eka Dickson, has condemned the killing of over 200 in Benue State, saying it is an assault on humanity, peace, and sanctity of life.
In a solemn engagement, Dickson expressed deep sorrow over the carnage and called for action to end the violence plaguing communities.
“We must never normalise the bloodshed of innocent citizens. The killing of over 200 people is a tragedy too heavy to bear. I condemn this—this is not who we are,” the businessman (Ekason), said.
He urged security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice and urged government, traditional institutions, civil society, and others to come together and defend life and peace.
In the midst of this sorrow, he called for hope, healing, and transformation, announcing the coming Ekason Signature, a state-of-the-art entertainment and lifestyle centre to provide a safe space for joy, creativity, unity, and economic growth.
“Even in face of pain, we must build. We must rise. Ekason Signature is our way of showing life must go on—that peace must win. We are investing in Benue not just for profit, but to create avenues for youth empowerment, mental relief, and cultural pride,” he said.
More than just a venue for fun, Ekason noted that the project is a response to the emotional and psychological needs of a people enduring trauma.
“We need spaces to uplift the human spirit. This project is not just about entertainment, it’s about rebuilding lives, communities, and confidence,” he said.
He hailed Hyacinth Alia’s governance style and emphasis on security, infrastructure, and economic development.
“Alia is repositioning the state. But we must complement his efforts with investment, and dialogue,” he said.
Ekason said Ekason Signature will create jobs from logistics and catering to event management, security, and tourism.
The centre will empower youths, create employment, and promote peace through shared public spaces.
“Let us turn our grief into strength. Let us turn our pain into purpose. Ekason Signature is a gift —a bold declaration that Benue shall rise again,” he said.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to all families affected by the senseless killings and assured the public that the official unveiling of Ekason Signature will be dedicated to peace, unity, and remembrance of the victims.
“In memory of the lives lost, we are building something that will breathe life back into our land. A place of joy, not sorrow; of laughter, not tears,” he said.
I am from Benue State, and my early years, from childhood to University, were spent in the state. I understand the nature of this crisis not as an observer, but as an indigene. My roots are in this land. The dream that became ThriveAgric, a company now serving over one million farmers across Nigeria and Africa, was born on the soil of Benue. Today, many young people with dreams like mine struggle to see theirs through. Their lives have been disrupted, their families displaced, and their futures made uncertain, not just by one factor, but by the weight of a complex crisis that has dragged on for decades.
Benue: Nigeria’s Food Basket in Crisis
Once known as Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” Benue State is now caught in a struggle not only over land and livelihoods but also over food, survival, and dignity. The recent violence in Yelewata community in Guma LGA underscores the human toll of this ongoing crisis. Reports suggest over 100 lives were lost, with some sources placing the number closer to 200. Thousands have been displaced, and farmlands, the backbone of the region’s economy, have been left in ruins.
This is not an isolated event; it is part of a prolonged and complex crisis that has turned fertile land into mass graves and resulted in widespread displacement. According to the United Nations, over 2.1 million people have been displaced in Benue State alone. To grasp the scale of this, imagine the entire population of a major city like Paris being forced to flee, leaving behind homes, heritage, and harvests.
A Timeline of Violence: Understanding the Herdsmen-Farmer Crisis in Benue
I spent a significant part of my childhood in Benue State. Back then, it was common to see herders moving their cattle along major roads. While this occasionally caused traffic, it was generally accepted as part of life in a region where agriculture and pastoralism coexisted. Over time, however, what had once been manageable tension gradually evolved into a far more troubling and violent reality, particularly in the hinterlands and rural border communities.
The gruesome crisis between nomadic pastoralists and settled farming communities is deeply rooted and multifaceted. On one hand, pastoralists have historically migrated across regions in search of pasture and water. On the other hand, farmers rely heavily on fixed land for cultivation. As climate change, land scarcity, and population growth intensified, so did competition over land and resources.
Since 2011, these tensions have increasingly escalated into an open crisis. Pastoralist communities have reported theft of cattle and attacks on their camps, while farming communities have experienced the destruction of farmlands, community raids, loss of lives, and widespread displacement. These incidents have triggered cycles of reprisal and deepened mistrust on both sides.
By 2013–2014, reports of armed confrontations became more frequent and deadly. What had previously been sporadic clashes began to resemble more sustained violence. In 2018, the crisis drew national attention following the tragic New Year’s Day attacks in Logo and Guma LGAs, which left nearly 100 people dead and prompted an increase in government response, though many viewed it as still inadequate.
According to the book The Root Cause of Farmer-Herder Crisis by Olowu Olagunju, over 60,000 lives have been lost in farmer-herder crises across Nigeria since 2001, with Benue accounting for the highest number of casualties. Over 2.1 million people have been displaced in the state alone. The recent violence in Yelewata serves as another painful reminder that the crisis is ongoing and that lasting solutions remain urgent and necessary.
The Ripple Effect: How Insecurity Undermines Nigeria’s Food Security
Benue State is one of Nigeria’s top three agriculturally productive regions, contributing significantly to the country’s supply of tomatoes, rice, maize, yams, soybeans, cassava, and fruits. However, when communities are affected by a crisis, regardless of the source, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate region. Many farmers are forced to abandon their fields, leaving fertile land uncultivated. Insecurity disrupts planting and harvesting cycles, leading to reduced yields and labour shortages. With rural roads and markets becoming harder to access, supply chains begin to fracture. This disruption contributes to food scarcity, driving up prices and making basic staples less affordable for millions of Nigerians. Beyond the numbers, the human cost is immense. Entire farming communities face the loss of livelihoods, land, and long-held dreams. While the crisis may be concentrated in one part of the country, its ripple effect threatens food security and stability nationwide. This isn’t just a rural issue; it poses a threat to our national food sovereignty.
Why Every Nigerian Should Care
You may live in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or any other part of the country far from Benue, but the impact of this crisis is already being felt nationwide, regardless of your social or economic class. As farming communities are displaced and agricultural production declines, food supplies dwindle, and prices rise. Tomatoes, yams, rice, beans, and other staples are becoming more expensive, not only due to inflation, but because fewer are being grown, harvested, or transported safely.
Meanwhile, as rural areas become less secure, many people are forced to migrate to urban centres in search of safety and livelihood. This influx strains city infrastructure, increases unemployment, and contributes to growing inequality. When poverty and hunger deepen, social unrest and crime often follow, creating a cycle of instability that affects everyone regardless of region.
Nigeria’s economy is also at stake. Agriculture contributes approximately 25% to the nation’s GDP, and Benue plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem. When a key food-producing region becomes destabilised, it is not just a local loss; it becomes a national vulnerability.
What We Must Do, Together
Securing Nigeria’s food future and rural stability requires coordinated action. Strengthening security in farming areas through better-trained personnel, local intelligence, and modern tools will help restore confidence and allow displaced communities to return to their land. Enforcing existing laws, such as the 2017 Benue Open Grazing Prohibition Law, alongside inclusive policies that support sustainable grazing practices, can help ease tensions and clarify land use expectations.
Equally, investing in modern ranching systems, including infrastructure, education, and cattle tracking, benefits both herders and farmers. These steps will reduce the crisis, improve agricultural output, and stabilise food prices. By acting now, the government has the opportunity to restore peace, trust and drive long-term food security and economic growth for the entire nation. And as citizens, we all have a role to play. Start by raising awareness; share the stories, facts, and human impact of this crisis. Support trusted NGOs helping displaced families, get involved in agriculture in any way you can, whether through home gardening/livestock rearing, investing in farms, or participating in community initiatives that boost agriculture. And most importantly, stay engaged. Support leaders who prioritise rural development, food security, and lasting peace. The future of Nigeria’s food depends on all of us.
A Final Word: Nigeria’s Future Is on the Line
If Nigeria is to survive and thrive, we must urgently protect our food-producing regions. When farmers are unable to access their land, the consequences go far beyond rural communities; they threaten our national food supply and economy. In parts of the Northwest, there have been disturbing reports of farmers being forced to pay levies to access their farms during harvest. Although such events may not dominate national headlines, they reflect a growing trend of insecurity that, if unchecked, could spiral into a full-scale crisis much like the one we now see in Benue State.
When farmers are unable to farm, the result is food scarcity, price hikes, and empty shelves in urban markets. If you’re fortunate to earn a steady salary, you may not feel the weight of this crisis yet. But your neighbour, staff, or community member who continually begs for alms, struggling with rising costs and shrinking options, may one day be pushed to the brink. Hunger breeds desperation, and desperation, if unchecked, fuels rising crime and social unrest. We saw this unfold in parts of Lagos, Ogun, and Kano in 2024, as reported by the BBC.
We cannot let Benue, the heartland of our food systems, bleed in silence. We also cannot afford to ignore early warning signs in other regions. Every day of delay costs lives, land, and opportunities for national growth.
As someone who knows this land, who grew from it, and owes everything to it, I say this with urgency: We must act for justice, survival, food security, and peace.
Benue State felt like home when I served there as a Corps Member. Peaceful. Safe. Comfortable. And a large dose of hospitality. The present Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, was the governor then. The current NYSC spokesman, Eddy Megwa, whom I remember as a handsome young man with a charming smile, was state NYSC Public Relations Officer before he was whisked away, midway into our service year, to Abuja. He used to wow us with talks about the information superhighway at a time when the internet was just taking root in Nigeria and many were yet to understand its full ramifications.
Though I served in Makurdi, the state capital, I felt the buzz of farming activities, especially because I had my PPA in the North Bank area where people still cultivated farmlands. But that was nothing compared to the rural areas. Hardworking folks! Great farmers, every one of them! The teachers in the school where I served always disappeared from town at weekends to tend to their farms in their villages. And at harvest time you would not just hear of their bounteous harvests of rice, yam and other food items, you would get a share.
Everywhere I turned, I could see where the state got the sobriquet ‘Food Basket of the Nation’. Yam was superabundant and cheap, as were other food items. Some business savvy corps members started transporting yam to the East. I chose to eat the yam instead – especially pounded yam. The school where I served paid N3,000 monthly as local allowance, and that amount was enough to stock up on foodstuff at the North Bank market till the next month, but you needed an occasional dash to the market for regular things like fresh vegetables. A bottle of More Lager, brewed by Benue Brewery Limited, sold for N100, and with another N100 you could get a sizeable chunk of roasted pork. Tito sold chilled fresh yoghurt in glasses at Tito Gate and its other outlets. It was a delight on a hot afternoon. I accumulated plenty of adipose tissue within a few months and had to place myself on a strict fitness regimen.
Benue was peaceful and safe. We traversed the land under the auspices of the state chapter of the National Association of Catholic Corps members, of which I was elected PRO. It was either a NACC state convention or a visit to NACC members out there. From Katsina-Ala to Vandeikya, Otukpo, Gboko, Aliade, Agatu, Obadigbo, Logo and many other places that I cannot readily remember their names, not once did we have a cause to fear for our lives. Not once did we hear of any killings.
The folks I related with – from neighbours in the corpers’ lodge to teachers in the school where I served, the students, and regular folks on the street – were friendly. I made quite a couple of friends, though I’ve lost touch with almost everyone of them. I fell in love with Benue that I longed to return there after service.
But the Makurdi sun was not friendly. We used to debate whether it was hotter in Makurdi or in Maiduguri, until my Corper colleague, Habiba, who had lived all her life in Maiduguri, said the Maiduguri sun was a learner compared to Makurdi’s. So the Benue River became my place of succour. Just by the bridge that links Wurukum and North Bank on the Makurdi-Lafia Road, there is a descent that takes you to the mouth of the mighty Benue. In the dry season, the water level would recede, leaving not-so-deep ends that one could swim in. Tiny islands would form at different points on the river that you could paddle a canoe from the shallow end to any of the tiny islands. So I would go there after school hours and soak myself in the refreshing waters of the Benue till sundown.
That was before these demons of death besieged the land. Now all we hear from Benue are blood-curdling tales of death and destruction. Each time I hear these gory tales, my heart bleeds, and I never cease to offer a word of prayer for the peace-loving people of Benue. But even as I pray, I am saddened knowing for certain that prayer would not stop the murderous march. Only concrete action would. With hindsight, one could tell that the murderers are lurking in the shadows waiting to re-emerge to wreak more havoc as soon as the guard is let down. It’s painful, too, that they are not stopping at Benue. Virtually every state in the country has felt – or is feeling -the pangs. It’s even more calamitous that those who should be in charge seem not to know – or are pretending not to know – what lies in wait. Which is why they are prescribing Paracetamol for an ailment that is fast chipping away at the very heart of the country.
The intensity of attacks on Benue communities by suspected herdsmen took a turn for the worse last Saturday with the killing of no fewer than 200 inhabitants of Yelewata, a community at the border between Benue and Nassarawa states situated in Guma Local Government Area.
Like other Tiv communities, the inhabitants of Yelewata are predominantly farmers. The rich and fertile land is good for cultivation of different kinds of crops, including maize, rice, millet, yams and cassava, to mention a few.
A farmer in Yelewata, Thomas Iorya, who currently lives in a temporary camp opened for displaced persons at the International Market, Makurdi, the Benue State capital, told our correspondent that Yelewata came into existence more than 100 years ago.
“Our great grandfathers lived in this town and gave birth to us. So, this is our ancestry home. We have nowhere else to go,” he said as he recalled the bloody incident reckoned to have claimed hundreds of lives.
Orya said: “On that very day of the attack, it was raining heavily, and shortly after the downpour, at about 11 pm, I heard sounds of sporadic gunshots coming from all directions.
“Most of the people in Yelewata community are internally displaced persons (IDPs) from other Tiv communities in Nassarawa State, who were driven away by militia herdsmen and forced to camp in Yelewata.
“I was lucky because that very night, I slept at LGEA Primary School in Yelewata. The place is under the watch of soldiers, and that was what save me as 12 of my relations were brutally killed.
“The gunmen, some of whom were in army camouflage, set houses on fire, burning the inhabitants, including children aged between five and six, beyond recognition.”
Attributing his survival to the grace of God, Orya said: “I give God the glory for my survival. But the unfortunate incident is that I lost 12 of my relations in the attack.”
He, however, said he was not happy staying in an IDP camp in Makurdi. Hence he urged government at state and federal levels to provide him and his people adequate security so they could return to their ancestral homes and farm to feed themselves.
Orya said even before the attack last Saturday, he had a premonition that herdsmen were coming to attack his people and he was restless.
“The number of soldiers, policemen and Civil Defence Corps members on ground was not enough to protect Yelewata community. If we have enough security, such an attack would not have occurred, and I pray that God will never allow such attack and killings again,” he said.
But Orya was not alone. Another survivor, Mrs Stella Anshe, a 40-year-old housewife, has been lived in the emergency IDPs camp provided by Governor Hyacinth Alia for victims of Yelewata killings since last Saturday.
Recalling the bloody event that culminated in her present condition, she said: “On that Saturday night of herdsmen attack, we were all fast asleep after a heavy downpour.
“Then at about 10.30pm, we started hearing gunshots from the direction of the warehouse where IDPs from other communities had gathered themselves to sleep.
“The gunmen must have gotten information about people sleeping in the warehouse. They shot and killed almost everyone that slept inside the warehouse and thereafter set the house ablaze.”
Mrs Ashe, who claimed to have lost 14 direct relations in the attack, recalled children, women and old men were all gruesomely shot and killed. She also expressed concern over the poor conditions of the IDPs in the camp and called on Government agencies responsible for humanitarian services to quickly intervene to save survivors of the attack from hunger.
Asked how she escaped the attacks, she said: “I ran out of my house with other relatives, and the risk paid off.”
Forty-two-year-old Felix Kpum and Doko Ternenge Vitalis, who also shared similar tales, confirmed that “on the day of the attack, it was raining and most people were inside their houses.
“The gunmen stormed the community with sophisticated weapons at about 11pm, carrying with them petrol which they poured on houses before setting them ablaze.
“In the melee that ensued, those who attempted to escape were gunned down and cut with machetes.
The duo of Kpum and Vitalis also said they managed to escape because they ran out of their house and took to their heels.
Doko Vitalis said: “While I am currently at the camp, my pregnant wife is on admission at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, because after running and trekking many miles, she bled a lot and had to be kept under examination.”
Mrs. Mnenge Uge, who was seen feeding a sick baby of between one and two years with garri at about 8am at the Makurdi International Market camp, said her husband and two children were missing, but she was yet to confirm if he was killed in the attacks.
Her baby was obviously malnourished as a result of lack of food.
Our correspondent gathered that there are about 5,000 persons in the camp because the entire survivors in Yelewata killings have been moved to the temporary camp in Makurdi.
The number may be more as more victims were still coming into the camp on Friday. The Nation observed that the camp’s environment was very neat, but the IDPs were more in number than the market could accommodate.
Humanitarian agencies like UNICEF and Red Cross Society have set up their offices at the camp to help the victims with essential services.
While there was anxiety on the part of the IDPs, the timely intervention of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia calmed the situation as the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Aondowase Kunde, in company of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, brought truck loads of relief materials.
But how long would the IDPs remain at the camp, especially now that the rains have set in for farmers to go back to the land? This is the question on the mind of every IDP, which only government can answer.
Governor Alia condemns massacre
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has condemned in strong terms the attacks and massacre of innocent citizens at Yelewata by suspected criminal herders, saying nothing should warrant taking of life.
The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. Sam Ode, who visited the scene of the heinous act earlier on the directives of Governor Alia, delivered the message, saying the governor was not resting on his oars in ensuring that the state experiences peace.
He said: “Governor Hyacinth Alia acknowledges and shares in your pains and grief caused by the attacks on your community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen.
“The state government is consistently engaging with federal security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security interventions and provide lasting solutions to these persistent attacks.
“We assure citizens that more tactical teams have started arriving in Benue from the Federal Government and additional security deployments are being arranged for vulnerable areas.
“Response squad teams are also deployed and will be in Benue from Sunday. Strategic community dialogues are ongoing to enhance active intelligence sharing.
“The state joint operations units are also being strengthened, and government will not relent in its utmost commitment to defending the lives and properties of all residents.
“In the spirit of peace and unity, we call on religious, traditional and political leaders across the state to sensitize and guide the youths under their influence against unlawful gatherings or confrontations that may spiral out of control.
“We appeal to the public to make use of official communication channels to report any suspicious activities and to stay informed through credible sources.
“Benue State remains committed to justice, peace, and security for all.”
Benue CP confirms two bandits neutralised, one arrested
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, has disclosed that two of the bandits responsible for the deadly attack on Yelwata community were neutralised by security forces during a confrontation.
Another suspect, he said, was arrested and was providing valuable information to the police.
CP Ifeanyi made this known while addressing journalists at the Police Command headquarters in Makurdi on Thursday.
Providing an update on the attack, he reassured residents of ongoing efforts to prevent a reoccurrence.
While local sources reported more than 200 casualties in the massacre, CP Ifeanyi confirmed 47 deaths, acknowledging the devastating impact of the attack.
He revealed that the bandits had planned to overrun the community but were repelled by the swift intervention of Police Tactical Teams and other security operatives deployed in the area.
“The situation in Yelwata is now under control,” the CP stated, adding that the Inspector General of Police had deployed additional personnel to hotspots across the state to bolster security and avert future attacks.
CP Ifeanyi reiterated the commitment of the police and other security agencies to remain vigilant and protect lives and property across Benue State.
Meanwhile, Yelewata, the community where the incident occurred has been turned into a Mecca of sort as many prominent Nigerians have visited the community.
At the last count, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ayatse and former Governors Samuel Ortom and Gabriel Suswam, have all visited Yelewata on condolences.
The mood around Yelewata community is sober and pensive while security has been beefed up around those who are still living in Yelewata. However, half of the community’s population has moved to temporary IDPs camp at the International Market in Makurdi.
There has also heavy presence of security agents within and around Yelewata since the attack.
Catholic Bishops Conference declares nine-day national prayer
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) yesterday declared nine days of national prayer for the country on account of the Benue killings.
The CBCN, in a statement signed by its President and Archbishop of Owerri, the Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, and the Secretary, the Most Rev. Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun, condemned the spate of insecurity in the country.
“The renewed wave of killings in Benue State and other parts of our country continues to wound our collective spirit,” they said.
Continuing, the bishops said: “It is our fervent hope and prayer that we will not have to issue sorrowful statements again.
“We commend all individuals, communities and organisations who continue to speak out against these heinous crimes.
“We are also grateful to our brother Bishops who have already called for prayers in response.
“In union with these efforts, we now call on all Catholics in Nigeria and all people of goodwill to observe a nine-day prayer, beginning from Saturday, 21 June 2025.
“Each day, we ask individuals, families, parishes and communities to recite the Rosary, followed by the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress.
“On the final day, Sunday, 29 June 2025, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Holy Mass should be offered across all dioceses and parishes for peace and healing in Nigeria, the repose of the dead, the comfort of victims, divine protection, and for the conversion of those responsible for the barbaric massacre of unarmed fellow citizens, including women and children.
“To our suffering brothers and sisters in Benue State and across Nigeria wounded by violence, we assure you that the Church stands with you.
“As a concrete sign of our support, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has already provided emergency assistance to some affected communities, and a CBCN delegation will soon pay them a solidarity visit.
“We ardently pray that the day will soon come when such sorrowful interventions will no longer be necessary, and our voices may instead rise in thanksgiving for a land healed and at peace.”
How to end killings by herdsmen – Fulani Leaders
In their own reaction to the wave of killings, Fulani leaders from the 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State said yesterday that the only way to put an end to the problem was for the federal and state government to revive the nomadic school programme.
They advised Fulani cattle breeders and pastoralists to live in peace and harmony with other Nigerians.
They spoke in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital during a stakeholders engagement organised by the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO), and tagged “Consolidating The Outcomes of The IDRC-SPARC GES Research Findings On The Economic Empowerment of Pastoralist Women in Nasarawa State.”
Speaking at the event, the Nasarawa State Chairman of FUDECO, Muhammad Habib Hussaini, expressed deep concerns over the persistent disagreements between farmers and herders in several states of the country, and called on the government at all levels to work towards peace building in rural communities.
Hussaini, who spoke for the Fulani leaders, said reviving the abandoned nomadic education programme would go a long way in educating cattle breeders and pastoralists in the rural areas.
He said lack of education was a major cause of the lingering conflicts.
“Most of the things happening in our pastoralist communities can be traced to ignorance, so promoting Nomadic education is very important,” he said.
He added: “We want the children of Pastoralists to be educated and enlightened. This will enable them understand the dangers of engaging themselves in any form of crisis in the society.”
Works Minister apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over collapsed Lafia-Makurdi highway bridge
Works Minister David Umahi yesterday apologised to President Tinubu and Nigerians over the disruption caused by flooding on the recently completed Lafia-Makurdi highway.
He described the incident as an embarrassment resulting from the negligence of the road concessionaire.
Umahi, who praised the President for his fatherly intervention over the recent events in Benue State, noted that his visit had brought reassurance and hope to the people.
“We apologise very profusely to Mr. President and Nigerians for the embarrassment this unfortunate incident caused him and Nigerians.
“We also commend Mr. President very highly for his fatherly role in Benue State.
“His visit there has made a lot of impact on the lives of the people of Benue State and everyone living in that place.
“With God on his side, Benue people shall see sustainable peace and progress,” said.
The minister’s media aide, Uchenna Orji, said the minister had since directed the immediate deployment of officials from the Federal Ministry of Works and China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company, the firm responsible for the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), to the affected section of the road.
The intervention followed flooding on June 18, which disrupted traffic due to debris clogging an existing culvert.
The Minister said that both the Ministry and the concessionaire teams cleared the blockage and restored the section, but warned that a long-term solution must now be implemented.
He tasked the company with identifying the root cause of the flooding and taking decisive steps to prevent recurrence.
“We must avoid a repeat of such an incident on a tolled and completed road. The concessionaire is responsible for maintaining the carriageway, and they must do so diligently,” he said.
In a separate meeting with Citibank Nigeria executives, Umahi sought private sector support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Legacy Projects, four major infrastructure initiatives aimed at economic revitalization.
He commended the President’s reform efforts, which he said were attracting international investor confidence while emphasising that partnerships are crucial to realising the administration’s infrastructure goals and delivering long-term benefits to Nigerians.
Citibank’s Managing Director, Nneka Enwereji, expressed the bank’s interest in supporting impactful infrastructure projects in Nigeria and praised the administration’s efforts to improve transparency and infrastructure delivery.
Again, Gunmen kill 13 persons, injure scores in Plateau
Gunmen have reportedly launched another deadly attack on innocent villagers, killing 13 persons in Juwan village of Tangur District in Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State.
According to eyewitnesses, the victims were mostly women and children.
Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos Local Government Area, Mr. Kefas Mallai, confirmed the killings to newsmen in Jos yesterday.
“The attack occurred around 8.30 pm on Thursday night,” he said.
“People were going about peacefully when suddenly, gunmen appeared and started shooting.
“The men tried to respond but could not defend themselves. Some had to hide.
“The women and children, being more vulnerable, were mostly the ones killed.”
Mallai added: “Thirteen bodies were found this morning.
“They didn’t burn any house; they were just shooting.
“Anyone vulnerable they came across was targeted.”
The Executive Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, confirmed the sad incident in an interview with our correspondent.
He said the attackers came late at night and started killing innocent persons.
“Some of the victims are receiving treatment in different hospitals,” he added.
Mallai noted that security personnel were alerted of the attack but, unfortunately, they arrived after the perpetrators had fled the scene.
Efforts made to reach security operatives for more details had yielded no result at the time of filing this report.
The National Youth Stakeholders Forum (NYSF) has called on the federal government to urgently recruit forest guards as part of broader efforts to tackle the persistent security crisis in Benue State.
In a statement on Thursday, the forum’s national leader, Mr. Oladotun Hassan, urged President Bola Tinubu to initiate far-reaching security reforms and respond decisively to the recent wave of killings in the state.
“It is time to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture and embark on the recruitment of forest guards,” Hassan said. “This must include increased funding for intelligence operations, modernization of military equipment, and improved coordination among security agencies.”
He also stressed the need to prioritise the welfare of security personnel, noting that neglecting their well-being could lead to disillusionment and vulnerability to corruption or collusion with criminal elements.
“The government must have a plan for scholarship for their children, free health care and commensurate salaries and packages compared to their fellow colleagues in the US Army.
“Ensure accountability: To those responsible for the Benue massacre, including any military personnel or public officials found complicit, must be brought to justice swiftly. There can be no sacred cows,” he said.
According to him, the government must engage in dialogue and reconciliation: The President must initiate measures to address the root causes of violence in Benue and other affected areas in the country.
Hassan added that president Tinubu should also tackle and resolve the herder-farmer conflicts, land disputes, and promoting inter-community dialogue, through the establishment of the Nigeria Inter-Ethnic Nationalities Peace Commission.
The NYSF also advised the government to strengthen regional cooperation as the country could not tackle terrorism and insurgency alone.
He said that it was essential for the government to enhance collaboration with neighbouring countries to curtail the flow of arms, terrorists and flow of funds across borders.
“We are aghast to raise our concerns over the unmitigated rising spate of insecurity and terrorism incidents especially in the Yelewata Community areas of Benue State, wherein over 200 innocent souls of both young and old were gruesomely massacred.
“We request President Tinubu to step up his decisive action by critically evaluating the crises in Benue and other affected areas in Nigeria.
“We call on the Federal Government to immediately commence recruitment of able body Youths within the affected communities into the forest guards.
“The government should ensure to implement proposals for the onward establishment of a National Joint Regional Security Task Force Network Agency (NJRSTFNA) that will assist and work closely with the conventional security agencies in the collective fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria,” Hassan said.
It was reported that President Tinubu has told the Benue and Nasarawa state governments to constitute a peace committee towards ending the ongoing killings in Benue and its environs.
The president said this at a town hall meeting with Benue stakeholders as part of his efforts to address the incessant attacks, killings, and displacements of communities in the state.
Recall that more than 200 people were killed, scores injured and houses and properties destroyed in the June 13 attack on Yelwata.
Gift Lupus Foundation, (GLF) has condoled with the government and people of Benue State following the tragedy in Yelewata where many were killed.
In a statement in Abuja after a stakeholders’ meeting, Founder, Dr Nguumbur Ikongo-Ononuga, said “the senseless killing of innocent civilians is a dent on the conscience of our nation. We grieve with the families who have lost their loved ones and mourn with communities shattered by this violence. As an organisation rooted in compassion, advocacy, and care for the vulnerable, we condemn this genocide and call for action by governments to end the dastardly act.
“We urge the authorities to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators and ensure the safety and dignity of residents.
“The time has come for national reflection, unity, and resolve. We believe peace, justice, and human dignity must prevail over hatred and violence,” the foundation said.
Ikongo-Ononuga noted that there’s need for government to get to the bottom of the killing in that part country with the aim of settling the remote and immediate causes of the recurring conflicts once and for all.
The foundation, which advocates and cares for people suffering from Lupus disease said: “Our prayers remain with the people of Yelewata and Benue State. Gift Lupus Foundation will support initiatives that bring healing, justice, and lasting peace to the region.
“Furthermore, the foundation hails President Bola Tinubu for his visit with state leaders to assess the situation and demonstrate national concern on the killings in Yelewata.
“We are encouraged by this act of leadership and empathy, and we urge that it be followed withn sustained actions to secure justice for the victims and lasting peace for the region.
“The massacre in Yelewata is a reminder of the violence that many communities in Benue have endured. These repeated tragedies cannot become our norm. As an organisation committed to compassion, health equity, and advocacy, we mourn with families who have lost loved ones and extend our prayers to the communities…’’
“Now is the time for the people and leaders of Benue State to unite as one voice. Evil thrives when we are divided—but when we stand together in truth and justice, peace will prevail. We call on traditional rulers, community leaders, political figures, youth, and civil society to rise above differences and work in partnership for the common good.
“Our Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote healing, safety, and reconciliation. We believe that through collective action, justice, and sincere leadership, Benue can overcome this darkness and move toward a future with renewed hope.”
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Yusuf Atah, on Thursday, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Benue state who lost 200 relatives to an attack by killer herders.
He spoke in a statement signed by his publicity aide, Seyi Olorunsola.
“The minister stands in solidarity with the people of Benue State at this testing time and encourages them to remain strong in their confidence with the leadership of Mr. President and the security forces to ensure that this sort of incident that brought tears and mourning does not happen again.
Atah commended President Bola Tinubu’s prompt and decisive response to the brutal killings of innocent civilians in the Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The minister said the president’s visit to Makurdi, just days after the massacre, was a clear demonstration of leadership qualities and genuine empathy.
“President Tinubu, during the visit, condemned the senseless bloodletting and pledged a resolute crackdown that must end the recurrent violence.
“He clarified that his presence was not for ceremonial purposes, but to mourn with victims and restore peace and hope in the region.
“The minister lauds this urgent mobilisation of the full weight of the security architecture: the armed forces under Gen. Musa, the police under IGP Egbetokun, and the intelligence agencies.
“He (president) recognises this as a powerful reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to ensuring that no part of this country is left behind in our drive for security, development and equity.”
The minister noted that President Tinubu’s compassionate engagement—visiting survivors at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and meeting directly with local leaders—sends a vital message: the federal government is serious about justice, restoration, and the rebuilding of lives.
He emphasised that long-term peace is essential in Benue -the heart of Nigeria’s agricultural productivity, otherwise known as the ‘Food Basket of the Nation.’
According to Atah, President Tinubu’s call for a peace committee comprising former governors, traditional rulers, and community representatives, as well as the establishment of ranching zones and blood-donation drives, speaks volumes about the integrated and strategic framework being rolled out.
The minister added that “this crisis will be met with the full determination of the federal government,” pledging he stands in solidarity with President Tinubu in delivering justice, compensating victims, rehabilitating displaced families, and securing farmlands from further attacks.
Actor and Pastor Jimmy Odukoya has condemned the recent killings in Benue state, describing them as a “genocide” rather than mere casualties of war.
In an Instagram post, he expressed outrage and sorrow over the loss of over 200 lives in the Yelewata massacre.
Odukoya called on the government to live up to its duty and protect Nigerians, emphasising the need for justice and accountability.
He prayed for peace and strength for the affected communities, particularly the Yelewata community, and for the souls of the departed to be received by God.
His reaction followed a growing chorus of public figures and Nigerians demanding action and justice in the face of ongoing violence and insecurity in the region.
He wrote, “My heart bleeds over the genocide happening in Benue. The blood of the innocent killed cries out for justice from the earth!
“How long will we stay silent?! When homes are turned into crematoriums and fields become mass burial grounds! Body parts and bones litter the ground and tell a harrowing story of wickedness.
“Evil that does not discriminate against the old man or the infant child. Men, women, and babies all pay this price at the ultimate cost!
“These killings are not casualties of war but as a result of pure and senseless evil perpetrated by callous beasts whose hearts have become stone. Men who do not regard the sanctity of human life.
“I call on the government to live up to its duty and protect Nigerians. I pray for the Yelewta community and all those who have been affected by this harrowing loss. Those whose minds and hearts are forever scarred. I pray for peace, I pray for strength. May God receive the souls of the dearly departed.”
A wave of outrage has followed the recent spate of deadly attacks in Benue State, with prominent pastors and entertainers across Nigeria condemning the violence and urging swift government intervention.
Actress Kate Henshaw, comedian AY, rapper Olamide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Apostle Femi Lazarus, amongst others have all expressed deep concern over the persistent bloodshed, calling for immediate intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
Music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, had earlier taken to Instagram to share a heartfelt video condemning the attacks.
The Benue-born singer described the situation as a “national emergency,” expressing sorrow and frustration over the continued killings in his home state.
“This is no longer acceptable,” he said. “We cannot keep quiet while our people are being slaughtered. Something must be done urgently.”
The renewed violence in parts of Benue has left dozens dead in recent weeks, sparking nationwide outrage and fresh demands for decisive action to tackle insecurity in the region.
Comedian Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, also spoke out against the ongoing violence in Benue State, urging collective action.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering happening in our homeland. It’s time for us to stand together,” he wrote on Instagram.
Also joining the chorus of concern, rapper and music executive Jude Abaga, known as M.I, condemned the killings and expressed deep sympathy for the affected communities.
He called for an immediate end to the bloodshed, emphasising the urgent need to break the cycle of violence.
The musician wrote: “My heart is heavy. It grieves me deeply to see so much of the Middle Belt bleed. The recent killings in Benue are not just statistics, they are our people, our families, our communities being torn apart. We can’t normalise this cycle of violence that has plagued our land for too long. To those we’ve lost: we will not forget you. To those still standing, we stand with you.”
Popular actor and skit maker, Mr. Macaroni, also took to X to express outrage over the mass killings in Benue State.
Similarly, rapper and social commentator Falz, son of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), condemned the crisis
Singer Ayra Starr, initially criticised for posting unrelated content during widespread outrage over the Benue killings, later joined the call for justice by amplifying messages drawing attention to the tragedy.
Among the tweets she reposted was one that described the brutal murder of children while they slept, underscoring the horror of the attacks.
Veteran actress Kate Henshaw, known for her vocal stance on national issues, also took to social media to demand an end to the violence.
She highlighted the growing disregard for human life amid the ongoing bloodshed in Benue.
In a show of solidarity, popular skitmaker Emmanuel Ejekwu, popularly known as Sabinus, joined fellow content creators in public displays of protest, holding placards to raise awareness and demand justice for the victims.
In a post on his Instagram page, he said, “Our government, all the authorities responsible for peace and security in this country, please, we are pleading, every life matters in Benue State. They are humans; try to intervene very fast. We don’t know when it will happen next. It can even happen to us here; that’s why we need to speak out. Government, Benue people need help; life is important.”
The placards had the inscriptions “Stop the killings in Benue State”, “Every life matters”, and “Please, government, intervene.”
Pastor Femi Lazarus called on the Federal Government to respond urgently to the escalating violence across the country, highlighting the deadly trail stretching from Benue to Plateau, Kaduna, and Borno states.
“We are pleading with the government, please help look into this,” he appealed.
Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Lead Pastor of Celebration Church International, on his part said: “When leaders don’t defend the weak, they answer to God. Everyone will give account. We can’t grow numb to the killings. We can’t continue to simply ‘condemn’ them. Where is the justice? Where is the accountability? Nigeria cannot continue like this. Plateau today, Benue tomorrow. Before you’re done planning one welfare outreach, another attack has happened. May all who hate the peace of this great nation be brought to justice in Jesus name! God says ‘Enough!’.”
Pastor Olawande Daniel also voiced concern. He wrote on X: “Benue! Benue!! Benue!!! This is getting too much Lord have mercy. Government, please look into these killings . This is beyond human comprehension, not just in Benue but in the entire middle belt and the north. We are tired of bad news daily; these are human beings slaughtered like animals. Lord have mercy.”
