Declares ‘enough is enough,’ orders arrest, prosecution of perpetrators

Head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State, Pope Leo XIV, yesterday referred to the weekend’s attacks in Benue State as a “terrible massacre,” noting that around 200 people were killed with “extreme cruelty.” Thereafter, he prayed “that security, justice, and peace will prevail in Nigeria, a beloved country so affected by various forms of violence.”

He disclosed this during his remarks before the Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. He described the violence, believed to have been carried out by armed herdsmen, as particularly devastating, noting that most of the victims were internally displaced persons sheltered by a local Catholic mission in Yelwata, Guma Local Council.

“On the night of the 13th/14th June, in the town of Yelwata in the Guma Local Council in Benue State in Nigeria, a terrible massacre occurred in which around 200 people were killed with extreme cruelty, most of whom were internally displaced persons hosted by the local Catholic mission,” the Pope said during the Sunday Angelus address at St. Peter’s Square. Vatican City.

Expressing deep concern for Nigeria, he prayed for peace and security in the country while highlighting the vulnerability of rural Christian communities in Benue.

He added: “I pray that security, justice, and peace will prevail in Nigeria, a beloved country so affected by various forms of violence. And I pray in a special way for the rural Christian communities in Benue State, who have been unceasingly the victims of violence.”

During the Angelus address, Pope Leo also remembered victims of ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and the Middle East. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has instructed security chiefs to enforce his earlier directive aimed at achieving lasting peace and security in Benue State.

The president renewed his directive following the latest wave of reprisal attacks that resulted in numerous fatalities. On his orders, intelligence chiefs, police, and military personnel have arrived in the state to oversee security operations and restore calm.

In a statement issued yesterday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Tinubu also tasked the Benue State Governor with organising reconciliation meetings and dialogues among the warring parties to end the bloodshed and foster peace between farmers, herders, and communities.

Describing the violence as inhuman and counterproductive, Tinubu urged political and community leaders in conflict-prone areas to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could exacerbate tensions. He also called for efforts to control those instigating provocations and triggering reprisals.

“The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough.

“I have directed the security agencies to act decisively and arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict and prosecute them.

“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.

“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue. Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”Protesters defy deputy gov, police commissioner, block Makurdi roads

Meanwhile, police in the state dispersed angry protesters yesterday using teargas after they refused to allow the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, and the Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, to address them.

The demonstrators had earlier gathered peacefully at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi, carrying leaves and calling on the Federal Government to protect citizens across the country.

Some protesters, including Architect Brahms Ikuan and Gideon Inyom, decried the frequent attacks in the state, accusing authorities of failing to protect the lives of ordinary people.

It took the intervention of Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to prevail on the Benue youths to end their protest over the killings in the state after they took over the popular Wurukum Roundabout, preventing vehicular movements from the northern and southern parts of the country.

The thousands of protesters who stormed the roundabout as early as 7:00 a.m., singing solidarity songs as they marched around the popular roundabout near the Makurdi Bridge, resisted all pleas by the Police Commissioner and the Deputy Governor to vacate the roundabout, as commuters remained stranded.

Even the low-flying helicopters that came hovering around the area did not scare the protesters, who stood their ground as they moved around with tree branches and placards bearing inscriptions like “Stop Benue killings,” “Government has failed us,” and “We will not surrender to Fulani,” among others.

One of the leaders of the youths and social media influencer, Seedoff Mbapuun, alias Benue Pete Edochie, lamented that they embarked on the protest because the attacks and killings in the state were getting out of hand, and the government was not doing enough to end it.

The Commissioner stressed that the police were in control of the situation and assured that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had deployed the Police Special Forces and Tactical Teams to parts of the state to help put an end to the attacks and killings.

Speaking to journalists later, he said: “The IGP has taken over the security of Benue State. As I speak to you now, the IGP has already sent Special Forces who are already on ground, and more are coming. All the Special Forces are intelligence-based. They will go, no matter where the bandits are, and get them.”

He noted that some units had arrived in Makurdi the previous night, while earlier deployed forces had been stationed in Naka, Apa, Agatu, Daudu, and Yelwata.

“We are in control of the situation, so I’m assuring all citizens of the state that we are in control. All the security agencies are with us on this. We have already made some arrests.”

The Commissioner added that Governor Hyacinth Alia had provided all necessary logistical support to aid security operations. Despite the appeal, the angry youths stood their ground, repeatedly echoing, “Go to Yelwata, go to Yelwata.”

Shortly after, the youths brought out cooking utensils and two bags of rice to prepare their meal when the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, arrived to address them.

They refused to listen to him, demanding that he leave the scene and insisting that the Governor come and address them instead. Amid the confusion, the Deputy Governor left, and some policemen fired teargas canisters to disperse the large group.

In the ensuing stampede, the defiant youths took over the busy New Otukpo Road, lighting bonfires on segments stretching to the Abu King Shuluwa Road junction.

The standoff lasted about five hours until VeryDarkMan drove from the Konshisha Street axis to meet the protesting youths, who had also barricaded all link roads while singing war songs.

His arrival triggered heavy jubilation among the protesters, who surged forward to catch a glimpse of him. Addressing the crowd at UBA junction, VDM appealed for calm, urging the protesters to remove barricades and allow free traffic flow. He extinguished bonfires on the highways and advised against violent demonstrations.

VDM said, “Before coming here, I saw alarming things I have never seen in my life—children burnt to ashes, people, crops, and food destroyed in Yelwata. This state has suffered since I was a boy. The government urgently needs to act.”

He criticised road blockades, noting, “If you continue to make a bonfire, it will only give the police a reason to use teargas. Think about it. But if you do it freely, if you walk and walk—do the Jericho walk without fighting anyone, just the usual walk even around the government house—you’ll see if they will not act.”

The protesters heeded his advice, dismantling barricades and leading VDM to Wurukum Roundabout, where he further urged them to disperse and plan peaceful protests with police approval.

The demonstrators eventually disbanded, singing solidarity songs and praising VDM for his intervention despite the tense atmosphere. Also, the Nigerian military deployed aerial surveillance across Makurdi and its environs following the deadly attacks.

Since yesterday morning, low-flying military aircraft have been observed hovering over Makurdi, as well as parts of neighbouring Guma and Gwer West Councils.

A military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to comment publicly, said the aerial surveillance was part of a strategy to monitor developments in the area.

“The air surveillance is to monitor the situation of things around Makurdi and environs so we will know how to tackle it swiftly.

“The residents should not panic; the military is on top of the situation,” the source said.

Parents storm school over insecurity, demand students’ safety
Parents have crowded the Government Special Science Senior Secondary School, North Bank, Uni Agric Road, Makurdi, to withdraw their children amid escalating insecurity in Benue State.

Concerned parents gathered at the school gate, demanding the release of their children, citing a lack of security on the premises. Sources revealed that the school management had written to the Ministry of Education before the term began, requesting security reinforcement, but no action was taken.

A parent, speaking anonymously, disclosed that the school management sent a follow-up request after students were kidnapped from the nearby Joseph Tarka University, Makurdi.

“Just last week, suspected herdsmen attacked the host community of the school, leading to significant loss of life. The entire community is now deserted,” the parent said. He added that during the last visiting day, parents observed cattle grazing within the school premises due to a collapsed section of the perimeter fence, raising serious safety concerns.

The parent urged the school authorities to prioritise students’ welfare by temporarily shutting down the school until the security situation improves.

“Let’s avoid a repeat of what happened at Joseph Tarka University or the Chibok and Dapchi incidents here in Benue State,” the parent pleaded.

Residents criticise gov Alia’s response to Yelwata attack
A wave of anger and disappointment has trailed Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, over his response to the massacre of residents in Yelwata.

The governor’s reaction was delivered more than 24 hours later through a Facebook post by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula. Residents and youth groups have described the statement as “belated,” “recycled,” and lacking empathy or urgency.

“If you like, build all the skyscrapers you want, but if the lives of your people are not safe, then you have achieved nothing,” said Terna Avaan, a resident of Makurdi. “The governor’s primary duty is to protect lives and property. On that score, he has failed woefully.”

In his statement, Alia expressed sorrow over the killings, stating that he “acknowledges and shares in your pain and grief” and has directed a “multi-pronged response involving both local and federal authorities.”

For many, however, words were insufficient. “Enough of these recycled statements. When will action speak louder than press releases?” questioned Terver Fidelis, one of many residents venting frustrations on social media.

Humanitarian worker Benjamin Igber accused the governor of politicising the security crisis. Another critic, Tordue George, described the government’s delayed response as damaging and uncoordinated.

Gov pledges enhanced security measures, expresses solidarity with victims
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has assured residents of increased security efforts following the killings in Yelwata.

The governor expressed solidarity with the affected community in a statement addressing the tragedy. “I acknowledge and share in your pains and grief caused by these attacks on the community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen,” he said.

The governor urged religious, traditional, and political leaders across the state to sensitise youths under their influence, discouraging unlawful gatherings or confrontations that could escalate into violence.

Alia highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government to collaborate with federal security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to tackle insecurity.

“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,” he stated.

He further disclosed that response squad teams would be deployed from yesterday, with strategic community dialogues ongoing to bolster intelligence sharing. “The state’s joint operations units are also being strengthened, and the government will not relent in its utmost commitment to defending the lives and properties of all residents,” he added.

Peter Obi: Killings a failure of leadership, stain on collective conscience
Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, condemned the mass killings, describing them as a direct consequence of leadership failure in Nigeria.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, Obi expressed heartbreak over the attacks, which claimed the lives of women, children, soldiers, and displaced persons. He called for an urgent national response, warning against the growing normalisation of mass killings in the country.

“My heart is heavy as I learn of yet another horrific series of killings in Benue of women, children, soldiers, and displaced persons, all senselessly slain.

“This tragedy has become too common in our national life, and the Benue situation now calls for a national emergency,” Obi said. According to the former Anambra State governor, the scale of the killings goes beyond isolated violence and reflects systemic governance failure.

“Over 200 lives have reportedly been extinguished in a single onslaught, homes burnt, families shattered, communities left in ruin. This is not merely violence.

“It is a failure of leadership, a stain on our collective conscience,” Obi stated. He lamented the continued inability of governments at all levels to perform their primary duty of securing lives and property, saying each loss of life is a deep wound to the nation.

He said, “Every life lost is a Nigerian life, each one precious, each one irreplaceable. We cannot accept the normalisation of mass killing. It is intolerable.

“The primary duty of any government, federal, state, or local, is to protect lives and property.

“When it repeatedly fails, we must ask: What kind of nation are we bequeathing to our children?” Obi offered words of solidarity to grieving communities in Benue, assuring them that their suffering is not in vain.

Atiku: We must hold leaders accountable, insist on sustainable solutions to violence
Former vice president and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the attack and called on Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable.

Atiku, in a statement posted on his X account, said the killings underscored the escalating insecurity crisis facing Nigeria.
“I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of the fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost. These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscore the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation,” he stated on Saturday night.

The former vice president said the sorrow felt by those orphaned, displaced, and widowed by the attackers could not be adequately expressed in words.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities who have suffered unimaginable loss. As a nation, we must pause and reflect on the mounting human toll of this senseless violence.

“I urge the Federal Government and Benue State authorities to launch a prompt, transparent investigation into the attack. The identities of the perpetrators must be swiftly uncovered, and justice served.

“Enhance security presence in the region, deploying necessary resources, personnel, equipment, and intelligence to guarantee the protection of vulnerable rural areas,” he said.

He also called for engagement with affected communities through dialogue, traditional leadership, and civil society to restore confidence and foster resilience.

According to him, compensation and support efforts, including medical aid, trauma counselling, and livelihood restoration, should be accelerated for survivors and bereaved families.

Atiku added, “This assault on innocent Nigerians is not just a local tragedy; it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention and decisive action. I call on all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or religion, to unite in condemning this atrocity.

“We must hold our leaders accountable and insist on sustainable solutions to the violent tragedies claiming lives across the country. May God comfort the grieving families, heal our nation, and help us reclaim peace and security for all.”

ALSO, adding his voice to the growing concern, former Senate President, David Mark, condemned the killings and urged both the state and federal governments to act swiftly.

“This is no longer about politics. It is about human lives. The people of Benue have endured too many tragedies. Security must be treated as a matter of emergency, not routine bureaucracy,” he said.