By Atoyebi Nike
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the mass killings in Benue State, calling them “depressing” and unacceptable. He has directed security agencies to act immediately. Tinubu also asked Governor Hyacinth Alia to hold talks between warring groups.
The attacks happened overnight between June 13 and 14 in Yelewata and Daudu, Guma LGA. Over 200 people were killed, many of them IDPs under care at a Catholic hospital.
Security forces have now been deployed. Tinubu urged political and community leaders to stop making comments that could incite more violence.
Pope, CAN React
Pope Leo XIV spoke from the Vatican. He called the massacre a “terrible tragedy” and prayed for peace in Nigeria. The Pope described the attack as “extreme cruelty,” urging the world not to ignore the crisis.
CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) in the 19 northern states also reacted. It asked Tinubu to declare full war on the killers and terrorists. CAN’s Secretary General, Sunday Oibe, said over 100 people died in the latest attacks. He noted that victims were mostly farmers and IDPs, some burned alive.
CAN also raised concern about rising Boko Haram activity in Borno. A priest and others were kidnapped last week in an ambush on the Gwoza-Limankara road.
Protests Turn Chaotic
On Sunday, Benue youths marched to Wurukum Roundabout in protest. Police tear-gassed the crowd. The state police commissioner, Emenari Ifeanyi, was booed and rejected by the protesters. Angry chants of “Go to Yelewata” echoed through the protest.
Activist Bemgba Iyortyum urged the protesters to stay peaceful. “Stand firm,” he said. “We will not be wiped out.”
National Outrage
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the killings are a national emergency. He called for more security and justice for the victims. Atiku urged government to send help to rural areas and support affected families.
Peter Obi said the killings show leadership failure. He warned against the growing normalisation of mass deaths in Nigeria. “This is not just violence,” Obi said. “It’s a stain on our nation.”
HURIWA Warns of Ethnic War
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) warned of looming ethnic war. It said government failure to act could lead to armed resistance. HURIWA said the killings in Benue were a crime against humanity. The group blamed poor security response, despite early warnings from locals.
Tinubu: Enough Is Enough
In a statement by his media adviser, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said: “We must not allow this bloodshed to continue. Enough is enough.” He ordered arrests and prosecution of all killers. Tinubu told Governor Alia to lead peace talks and restore calm.
He added: “Our people must live in peace. We need justice, fairness, and dialogue.”
