Specialized security units arrived in Benue State yesterday (15/06/2025) to confront terrorism and bring an end to the recurring violence and killings across several local government areas.
This joint task force includes elements from intelligence agencies, the police, and the military.
Their arrival follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has instructed security chiefs to immediately implement prior orders aimed at restoring peace in the crisis-hit North-Central state.
President Tinubu urged political stakeholders in Benue to unite and work collaboratively with security operatives to resolve the unrest.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the recent violence as deeply disturbing.
“The latest reports of senseless killings in Benue State are heartbreaking. We cannot allow this carnage to persist. Enough is enough,” he stated.
He also encouraged Governor Hyacinth Alia to act decisively by initiating broad reconciliation efforts with disaffected groups within the state.
“Now is the time for Governor Alia to rise as a statesman, leading efforts in dialogue and reconciliation to achieve peace. Nigerians must coexist peacefully, which is only achievable when leaders work together to address grievances fairly and justly,” Tinubu said.
Meanwhile, angry youths took to the streets in Makurdi, the state capital, obstructing major roads in protest of the ongoing bloodshed. The demonstrators, gathered at Wurukum Roundabout, appealed to the Federal Government to rescue them from escalating violence involving bandits, arsonists, and unidentified gunmen.
The protesters also called on the security forces to intensify efforts and ensure that displaced persons can safely return to their communities. Spokesman for the group, Brahms Ikuan, lamented that Benue had long been under siege and accused authorities of a sluggish response.
Disturbed by the ongoing tragedy, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims, seeking justice and the return of peace to the region.
Over the weekend, at least 200 individuals — including children, women, security officers, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) — were killed in brutal attacks in the Guma Local Government Area, particularly in Yelewata and Daudu communities.
Eyewitness accounts report that the attackers struck Yelewata from two flanks, overpowering both police and local defenders before targeting unarmed civilians, many of whom had taken shelter in market stalls.
Farmers were also among the victims, with some reportedly burned alive in their temporary homes. There are growing concerns over the lack of coordination between the state government and federal security agencies in quelling the violence.
This assault came just two days after 25 people were slain in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi LGA. Alarmed by the frequency and intensity of attacks, citizens have called for the declaration of a security emergency in Benue — though not with the removal of the sitting governor.
The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the atrocities and demanded firm action against the armed groups responsible.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also voiced his concern, urging authorities to swiftly prevent further bloodshed and saying the situation calls for urgent intervention.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun had earlier relocated to Benue to personally oversee police operations even before the President issued his latest directive. Tinubu condemned the ongoing hostilities between farmers, herders, and other groups, describing the violence as barbaric and detrimental to progress, and stated that no community can develop amid incessant killings.
He further criticized inflammatory rhetoric from political and community leaders in the affected areas, noting that such statements worsen tensions. “Benue’s leaders must be responsible with their words and discourage acts that provoke retaliation,” the President emphasized.
He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring order in Benue, pledging that justice would be pursued and perpetrators held accountable.
Governor Alia Confirms Arrival of Special Security Units
Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Tersoo Kula, confirmed that tactical and rapid response units have arrived in Benue to tackle the persistent security threats, particularly in vulnerable locations.
He strongly condemned the latest massacres, attributing them to criminal herdsmen, and expressed deep sympathy with affected communities. “We are actively engaging with security agencies, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders to strengthen existing interventions and find long-term solutions,” Alia stated.
The Governor assured residents that additional tactical teams would continue to arrive, and that strategic community dialogues were ongoing to bolster intelligence gathering and preempt future attacks. He called on community, religious, and political leaders to educate the youth about avoiding unlawful protests that could escalate violence.
Alia also advised the public to utilize official channels for reporting suspicious activities and to rely only on verified sources for updates.
Pope Offers Prayers for Benue
During his Sunday Angelus message, Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with Nigeria and, in particular, the Christian communities in Benue who have endured relentless violence. He prayed for peace, justice, and security to take root in Nigeria.
CAN in the North Calls for Aggressive Action
CAN in Nigeria’s 19 northern states and the FCT released a statement through Secretary General Elder Sunday Oibe, calling on President Tinubu to take strong and decisive action against those responsible for the killings. The group noted that activities of armed herdsmen and Boko Haram insurgents have made daily life unbearable for countless innocent Nigerians.
Youth Protesters Shut Down Roads
Protesting youths in Makurdi expressed frustration, claiming they had provided information about potential attacks to the authorities but received no timely intervention.
Ikuan accused officials of ignoring their cries for help, warning that the state risked extinction if immediate action wasn’t taken.
“We’ve cried out, written letters, but no one came to our aid. As things stand, we’re uncertain about Benue’s future,” he said. Another protester, Gideon Inyom, criticized the government’s decision to relax anti-open grazing laws, which he claimed allowed more freedom for violent herders.
However, Commissioner of Police Emenari Ifeanyi explained that the Inspector General had taken over the state’s security management and had deployed special tactical units to counter the attackers. “We’ve secured major areas and are pushing back the threats. There are teams already stationed even in Yelwata prior to the latest attack,” he said.
He emphasized that prolonging protests could interfere with ongoing security operations, asking the public to give the tactical teams time to work. “This is a difficult phase, but we’re committed to restoring calm,” he said.
Ifeanyi also noted that Governor Alia had provided all necessary logistical backing to ensure the success of the operations.
Deputy Governor and Influencer Appeal to Protesters
Deputy Governor Sam Ode, along with online activist Very Dark Man (VDM), addressed the protesters, urging them to end the demonstrations. VDM even helped security operatives clear blockades from the roads to restore traffic flow.
Police Disperse Protesters with Tear Gas
Police officers dispersed the demonstrators using tear gas during the protest at Wurukum roundabout. Dressed in black and holding symbolic green leaves, protesters under the hashtag #StopBenueKillings demanded urgent intervention from the government.
Social media footage showed the moment tear gas was deployed, with security vehicles and even a helicopter hovering above the crowd.
A protester commented online: “If this level of force had been used to protect citizens from attackers, we wouldn’t be protesting today.”
Former Governor Suswam Laments Tragedy
Ex-Governor Gabriel Suswam condemned the attacks and called for both the federal and state governments to work collectively towards a permanent solution. In a statement from his media aide Bede Batholomew, Suswam insisted that finger-pointing would not solve the problem.
Atiku Demands Support for Victims
Atiku Abubakar stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the carnage exposed the worsening security crisis in Nigeria. He called for a swift and transparent investigation, insisting that those responsible be identified and punished.
He also urged for engagement with traditional leaders and civil society to rebuild community trust, and asked that survivors receive medical support, trauma care, and help rebuilding their lives.
“This is not just a regional tragedy — it is a national emergency that requires urgent and decisive measures,” Atiku said.
He urged Nigerians of all backgrounds to unite in condemning the violence and hold leaders accountable for providing lasting peace.
