By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
Benue State has once again descended into mourning following another round of bloodshed that has left the nation in shock and grief. The latest tragedy, which occurred on Friday night in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area, resulted in the deaths of more than 200 persons, including women, children, security operatives, and internally displaced persons who had already fled previous attacks.
The attackers, who are suspected to be criminal herders, reportedly launched a coordinated assault on the communities, entering from two separate flanks. Eyewitnesses said the violence began around 11 pm and escalated quickly as the attackers overpowered local defenders and security personnel. Many of the victims were reportedly burnt alive in market stalls that had been drenched in petrol, while others were brutally killed in their sleep.
Community leaders described the attack as a calculated and deliberate onslaught. A former acting chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr Matthew Mnyan, confirmed that several families were wiped out in a single night.
According to him, prior warnings had been issued about the impending attacks, but the authorities failed to respond.
The President of the Association of United Farmers Benue Valley, Chief Dennis Gbongbon, expressed deep concern over what he termed as a growing campaign of extermination. He disclosed that a significant number of the victims were displaced farmers who had previously escaped from other ravaged communities and had sought refuge in Yelewata. He described the incident as a terrifying escalation and warned that the crisis was worsening beyond control.
The violence in Benue State is no longer an isolated occurrence. It has become a persistent humanitarian crisis that has claimed thousands of lives over the past decade. Communities such as Agatu, Logo, Gwer-West, and Guma have repeatedly suffered deadly attacks believed to be linked to disputes over land and grazing routes.
Despite several interventions and operations carried out by security agencies, the killings have continued unabated.
What is more troubling is the rising perception among citizens that the government has not demonstrated sufficient political will to end the bloodshed. The people of Benue are fast losing faith in the ability of the government to secure lives and property.
In response to the recent killings, hundreds of angry youths took to the streets in Makurdi on Sunday, demanding accountability and urgent action. The protesters accused the government of abandoning its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens. They insisted that warnings had been issued ahead of the attack, yet no concrete preventive measures were taken.
One of the protest leaders, Brahms Ikuan, stated that despite multiple alerts and pleas for help, no action was taken until the damage had been done. He said the people of Benue were living in fear and were uncertain about the future of their state.
Another protester, Gideon Inyom, criticised the state government for relaxing enforcement of the anti-open grazing law, which he believes has emboldened violent elements to invade communities with impunity.
The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Mr Sam Ode, attempted to address the protesters but was turned away. The protesters insisted on federal intervention and rejected what they described as mere political rhetoric.
In a swift reaction, Governor Hyacinth Alia issued a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, condemning the attacks and assuring the people that special tactical forces were already being deployed to vulnerable communities. He stated that strategic community engagements were ongoing and that the government was working with federal security agencies, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi, confirmed that the Inspector General of Police had taken over security operations in the state. He noted that special forces had been deployed and that intelligence gathering was being intensified. He urged the people to cooperate with security agencies and assured them that measures were in place to restore peace and order.
Despite these assurances, many residents remain unconvinced. They argue that similar promises have been made in the past with little or no result. Their frustration is understandable, given the consistent pattern of attacks, delayed responses, and lack of visible justice for victims.
Benue State is facing a grave threat, and the silence of the nation is deafening. The scale and frequency of the killings suggest a pattern that cannot be ignored. If urgent and decisive action is not taken, the situation could deteriorate into a broader national security crisis.
To end the cycle of violence, several steps must be taken without delay. The federal government must declare a security emergency in the most affected areas of Benue State. An independent panel should be set up to investigate the killings and the possible complicity or negligence of security personnel.
The enforcement of the anti-open grazing law must be strengthened with visible political backing. Local security structures must be empowered to work in collaboration with formal institutions. Finally, those responsible for these heinous crimes must be arrested and prosecuted without delay.
This is not merely a state problem. It is a national tragedy. The people of Benue deserve to live in peace, and the time to act is now. If the lives of citizens cannot be protected, then the foundation of governance itself is in question.