The Nigerian Police Rapid Response Team stationed in Benue has foiled what could have been another national tragedy of monumental proportions. The incident was reported by Daily Trust. Although three farmers sadly lost their lives in the incident, the situation could have been far worse if not for the police’s proactiveness.
Following the Yelewata massacre in Benue State by bandits, a horrific incident that sent shivers down the spine of the nation, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, made a remark in his speech that caught my attention. He noted that whenever such attacks occur, we must not forget that there have also been numerous other planned attacks successfully foiled by the police and other security agencies.
At the time, I am sure many believed he made that statement merely to defend the inability of his men to avert the Yelewata tragedy. But recent events show that the IGP was not being economical with the truth. Without the tireless efforts of the police and other security agencies in curtailing these marauding murderers, the situation could have been far worse than it is today.
Our police officers are working tirelessly, often silently, to curtail crime, yet we do not amplify their heroics nearly as much as we amplify their shortcomings. Imagine if the bandits had succeeded in attacking Yelewata again, the news would have dominated headlines nationwide. But because the attack was foiled, the story risks fading into the background. And it wasn’t only in Yelewata; a similar plot was also thwarted in Guma Local Government Area.
Yes, we have every right to demand accountability from our security agencies, especially the police, being the lead agency in internal security. However, in doing so, we must also acknowledge their relentless efforts in combating crime, often in the face of scarce resources, outdated equipment, and dangerous working conditions.
Policing in Nigeria is a high-risk duty. Officers frequently work under intense pressure, covering vast territories with inadequate manpower, while confronting criminals who are often better armed and better funded. Despite these challenges, there are countless untold stories of bravery, operations that never make it to the headlines because the attacks were stopped before they could happen.
The grief of Yelewata still lingers—families torn apart, dreams cut short, and a community left with scars that may never fully heal. Each life lost is a reminder of what is at stake when security fails, and each life saved is proof of the value of vigilance. As citizens, our voices must continue to demand justice, transparency, and efficiency from those entrusted with our safety. But alongside those demands, we must also recognise and amplify the quiet victories, those moments when disaster was averted because men and women in uniform stood their ground.
The foiled attacks in Yelewata and Guma are not the end of our security challenges, but they are moments worth noting. They reaffirm that while criticism keeps our institutions accountable, encouragement fuels their morale. In the balance between the two lies the path to a safer Nigeria.
Some of the items donated by the foundation included: mattresses; tubers of yam; bags of rice; bags of beans; bars of soap; cartons of tomato pastes; cartons of noodles; gallons of groundnut oil; pampers; sanitary pads; cartons of milo; mats; pillows; mosquito nets among others.
The Chairman of the foundation, Comrade David Owan, said the visit to the community was part of an effort by the organisation to show solidarity to victims of the attack.
It would be recalled that gunmen killed around 200 villagers in Yelewata on the night of Friday, June 13, 2025.
The attack drew wild outcry, culminating in a visit to the state by President Bola Tinubu.
Owan, who was taken on a tour of the affected areas of the attack, added that what he saw on ground showed that the people are suffering as a result of the attack.
He said: “We have to do something to bring succour to the people of Yelewata community. We wanted to see what had happened after the attack. The attack is quite touching for us at PENGASSAN foundation.
“We have brought succour to the community. You can see the items here. We are not here to solve their problems but to provide support to make the people of Yelewata feel better.”
Coordinator of the temporary Internally Displaced Camp set up at the community, Ukuma Jonathan commended PENGASSAN foundation members for the visit and relief materials.
He said: “As you can see, these are the remnants of the attack and it has made it uninhabitable for our people. We pray that a situation like this never happens again.
“It is a very dehumanising situation. Our people sleep under trees and fear further attacks. We are calling for the provision of security for our people.”
Also speaking, Village Head of Yelewata community, Julius Joor commended PENGASSAN foundation for the relief items, assuring that they will be fairly distributed among members of the community.
He, however, said that members of the community are still scared of returning to their farms as suspected Fulani herdsmen are still grazing on their lands.
The Senate on Wednesday unanimously condemned the recent massacre of over 200 civilians in Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, and the massacre of 12 people in Mangu local government of Plateau State.
The red chamber officially declared the calamities as acts of terrorism.
It also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift and personal response to the tragedy.
The red chamber called on Federal Government to deploy more military personnel to Benue State, particularly to Yelewata and other known flashpoints, to prevent further attacks and restore security.
It also demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the massacre, with the aim of identifying and prosecuting all perpetrators.
The Senate also urged the Federal Government to provide compensation to the victims’ families and begin the reconstruction of properties destroyed during the attack.
The red chamber agreed to send a delegation to Yelewata as a show of solidarity and to conduct legislative oversight on the humanitarian and security response on the ground.
The Senate called for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s national security strategy, including the adoption of community-based policing models better suited to protecting vulnerable populations.
These resolutions by the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of a motion on the incidents sponsored by Senator Titus Zam during plenary.
The Senate described the attacks, which occurred on June 18 and June 21 as part of a broader, systematic campaign of violence in some parts of the country and demanded urgent and comprehensive federal intervention to stop the ongoing bloodshed in the country.
Referencing eyewitness accounts, Zam in his lead debate, said the assailants, armed with heavy weapons, launched a coordinated nighttime raid on Yelewata, resulting in extensive destruction, death of more than 200 civilians, many of them, women and children, and razed several communities.
He described the attack as deliberate and genocidal, emphasizing that these were not isolated incidents or spontaneous clashes but rather planned atrocities targeting vulnerable rural populations.
His sentiments were echoed by many of his colleagues, who took turns to express their anger, grief, and concern over the growing pattern of violence in Benue and other parts of Nigeria.
In his contribution, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP – Bauchi Central) stated that the violence in Benue reflected a broader breakdown of state capacity.
He urged the Senate to treat the situation as a national emergency rather than isolated communal unrest.
He also called for a legislative oversight mission to ascertain the extent of the damage and ensure proper government response.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other ranking senators called for a nationwide review of Nigeria’s security infrastructure.
Senator Sadiq Umar (APC – Kwara North) highlighted similar attacks occurring in Patigi, Kwara State, underscoring that the violence in Benue is part of a growing national pattern.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC – Ondo South) canvassed for modernizing intelligence gathering and security operations, suggesting technology-driven methods to enhance the effectiveness of security responses in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio concluded the session by saying, “What we are witnessing is state failure and outside this chamber, there is a final judgment before God.”
He then led the chamber in a one-minute silence to honor the victims of the Yelewata massacre.
Meanwhile, the red chamber yesterday erupted in grief and outrage over the gruesome killing of 12 wedding-bound travelers from Kaduna State, who were ambushed and murdered in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on June 21.
The victims, including women and children, were traveling in an officially marked Ahmadu Bello University bus when they were attacked by suspected local youths.
Rising under a motion of urgent national importance, Senator Ibrahim Khalid (Kaduna North) described the attack as “a chilling example of lawlessness and rising intolerance.”
He warned that the unchecked violence across the country signals a systemic breakdown of law and order.
“This was not a mistake. It was a barbaric act. The victims were clearly in a university vehicle, seeking directions, yet they were set ablaze,” Khalid lamented.
Seconding the motion, Senator Sunday Marshal Katung (Kaduna South) noted that retaliatory killings are fast becoming a dangerous norm.
He said, “If this ‘eye for an eye’ cycle continues, we will all end up blind,” he warned, urging swift prosecution of the perpetrators and an end to impunity.
He expressed cautious optimism over reports that arrests had been made, but insisted that justice must not only be promised, but delivered.
Other senators drew parallels with similar massacres in Benue and southern Kaduna, calling for a coordinated national response.
The Senate unanimously condemned the killings, observed a minute of silence, and adopted far-reaching resolutions.
The Red Chamber demanded full prosecution of those responsible, and urge both federal government and Plateau State to compensate the victims’ families.
It also called for the deployment of specialized security forces, with a focus on intelligence, early-warning systems, and rapid response in vulnerable areas.
The Presiding Officer, Senator Jibrin Barau described the killings as “brutal and inexcusable,”
Barau said, “Burning humans and the vehicle they came in is beyond heinous. This must not go unpunished.”
With President Tinubu reportedly issuing strong directives and the police confirming the arrest of 53 suspects so far, the Senate insists that anything short of full justice would only embolden future attackers.
“This was not just an attack on people,” Khalid said. “It was an attack on our collective humanity.”
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.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered immediate action by top security agencies to arrest those responsible for the massacre of over 100 people in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The President gave the directive during a high-level stakeholder meeting at the Benue State Government House, Makurdi, on Wednesday.
In a direct charge to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the President demanded swift justice and stronger intelligence operations in the troubled North Central state.
“How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata? Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately,” the President said in a stern address.
Tinubu also tasked the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance, gather actionable intelligence, and collaborate with local communities to apprehend the perpetrators.
According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the meeting was attended by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; governors of Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa states; traditional rulers; and former governors of Benue State.
Emphasising a proactive and inclusive approach to peacebuilding, President Tinubu urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to constitute a broad-based peace committee.
He advised that the committee should comprise former governors, traditional rulers, community elders, federal government officials, and representatives of non-indigene communities resident in the state.
“Let us meet again in Abuja. Let’s fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace. I assure you, we will find peace. We will convert this tragedy into prosperity,” President Tinubu said.
In an effort to prevent future clashes between farmers and herders, the President directed Governor Alia to allocate land for ranching and asked the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to immediately follow up on the directive.
The President had earlier visited the Benue State University Teaching Hospital to sympathise with victims and medical personnel, and called on citizens to donate blood to help the wounded.
While lamenting the needless loss of lives, President Tinubu made a passionate appeal for peace as a foundation for sustainable development in the state.
“I wanted to come here to commission projects, to reassure you of hope and prosperity—not to see gloomy faces. But peace is vital to development. The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. We were elected to govern, not to bury people”, he said.
He tasked Governor Alia with aligning fully with the federal government’s mission to restore peace and prosperity to the state.
“Governor Alia, you were elected under the progressive banner to ensure peace, stability, and progress. You are not elected to bury people or comfort widows and orphans. We will work with you to achieve that peace. You must also work with us,” he stressed.
Acknowledging political pressures, the President said, “Not everyone will like you in politics. They hate me, too—like hell. But here I am, still your President. I made a promise to protect democracy, freedom, and prosperity, even for my abusers and accusers. That’s leadership.”
In his response, Governor Alia appealed for the creation of a Special Federal Intervention Fund to aid communities ravaged by repeated attacks in Benue.
He said such a fund would be critical in helping victims rebuild their lives and in restoring destroyed infrastructure.
“Your Excellency, while we continue to mourn our losses and rebuild from the ashes of pain, we humbly urge the Federal Government to consider establishing a special intervention fund for communities affected by these incessant attacks in Benue State,” Alia said.
The Governor reaffirmed his support for the establishment of state police as a long-term solution to insecurity and promised unwavering commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous Benue.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, offered praise for President Tinubu’s personal visit to the hospital and for the inclusion of Benue indigenes in his administration, such as Senator Akume and Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev.
However, the monarch did not mince words about the depth of the crisis in the state. He said mischaracterizing the violence as “herder-farmer clashes” or “communal disputes” only masked the true nature of the conflict.
“Your Excellency, it is not herder-farmer clashes. It is not communal clashes. It is not reprisal attacks or skirmishes. What we are dealing with here in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder-terrorists and bandits,” the Tor Tiv stated.
He warned that political manipulation of the crisis was worsening the situation.
“We hear that some politicians would even prefer that the crisis worsens, so it would serve as a basis for declaring a state of emergency. This is unfortunate. Any politician who prays for more people to die for such a project is working against the wishes of the people of Benue State,” he said.
Appealing directly to the President, the monarch concluded, “All we ask of you, sir, is to stop our weeping. Give us peace in Benue State, so our people, primarily farmers, can return to their farms and continue to produce food for Nigeria.”
He referenced the President’s intervention in Kwara State’s Kaiama crisis as a sign of his capacity to end similar turmoil in Benue.
…says he will personally intervene, demands arrests over Yelewata killings
…expresses dissatisfaction with the failure of police to make arrests
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday directed Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to immediately constitute an inclusive peace committee to help restore calm following the massacre of over 200 persons in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, by suspected armed herders.
The President, who visited Makurdi in the wake of the deadly attacks, said the peace committee must include all stakeholders—former governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and even non-indigenes—and announced that he would personally be involved in its work.
“Let’s establish the committee of leaders. We cannot do without one another,” the President told a town hall meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi.
“Whatever we need to do, I will want us—this leadership committee now—we’ll meet in Abuja to really fashion out the nucleus of a lasting peace, and I’m ready to invest in that peace”, the President said.
Tinubu stressed that the peace effort would only be meaningful if it was broad-based and collaborative, calling for synergy with neighboring Nasarawa State, whose governor, Abdullahi Sule, was also present at the meeting
“The governor of Nasarawa is here and the governor of Benue is here, let’s create that synergy for peace, development, and prosperity. We’re here to govern, not to bury. We’re here to raise families, not to lose some,” he said.
He called on the people of Benue to support Governor Alia in this critical moment, urging communities to embrace peace and inclusion.
“This is a very critical time. The governor needs your help. Let’s have a committee with non-indigenes incorporated,” Tinubu urged.
Assuring the state of the federal government’s backing and his personal resolve to end the cycle of bloodshed, Tinubu said, “I give you the assurance that we will find peace, we will convert this tragedy to prosperity again and again.”
The President also delivered a strong message to security agencies, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of arrests following the mass killings.
“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be arrest of those criminals,” he said.
He thanked the military high command for their response so far but pressed for greater vigilance and coordination on the ground.
“Christopher [Chief of Defence Staff], thank you very much. I watched your comments. I know you can’t be tired of staying in the bush, including Oluyede [Chief of Army Staff] and the Air Marshal. Thanks to all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out”, he said.
He also charged the heads of the intelligence agencies to improve their surveillance and response systems.
“DG NIA and DG DSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence that this will not occur again,” the President said.
Tinubu reiterated that his administration remains committed to national development, but noted that meaningful progress depends on peace and the protection of lives.
“We’ve been fastening our belts to give development to our country. It’s only when you make the people of your state the priority that you can plan good for them and you can execute good programmes,” he said.
The President reaffirmed that the federal government would do all it takes to ensure Benue finds healing and a path forward after the latest tragedy.
“I want the traditional rulers—the Tor Tiv, the Och’Idoma and others—to be included in this peace committee. I’m ready to invest in that peace”, he said.
