President Bola Tinubu has ordered security forces to urgently end the killings in Benue State. This directive came after over 100 people were massacred by armed men in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area.
The tragic attack occurred between Friday night, June 13, and the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025. Reports say the attackers, believed to be herdsmen, stormed Yelwata from two different directions.
They overpowered local youths and security personnel, opening fire on unarmed residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltered in market stalls. Another attack reportedly took place in Daudu, also in Guma LGA, around the same time.
Security Forces Deployed Amid Nationwide Outrage
Following the massacre, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced that top intelligence officers, as well as police and military officials, have arrived in Benue to coordinate security efforts. He stated that President Tinubu had given firm orders to restore order in the affected areas.
“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,” Tinubu declared.
He added, “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.”
The president urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to take the lead in bringing communities together. He asked him to hold peace talks between farmers and herders and find lasting solutions to the frequent violence.
“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,” he said. “Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony.”
Pope Leo and 2Face React to Yelwata Killings
Pope Leo XIV also reacted to the killings, praying for the victims during the Angelus prayer on Sunday, June 15. He described the incident as a “terrible massacre.”
The Pope said he was deeply concerned about the “rural Christian communities of Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence.”
He revealed that many of the victims were IDPs staying at a local Catholic mission in Yelwata. The Pope called for “security, justice, and peace” in Nigeria.
Veteran musician 2Face Idibia, a native of Benue State, also expressed deep sorrow and anger in an emotional video posted online. He described the repeated killings in the state as a national emergency.
“My heart is heavy, terribly sad, terribly angry! It’s become a national emergency what is going on in my state, Benue State,” he said. “This thing has to involve everybody in this country. It’s not child’s play. It’s becoming ridiculous. Haba!”
Residents Protest, Amnesty Demands Action
In response to the massacre, angry youths in Yelwata blocked the Lafia-Makurdi highway on Saturday. Protests continued on Sunday morning in Makurdi, where police used teargas to disperse the crowd.
Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the federal government to stop the bloodshed and prosecute those responsible. The group said Benue residents face near-daily violence without justice or protection.
Yelwata, the community where the attack took place, is a town between Benue and Nasarawa states. It lies less than 40 minutes’ drive from Makurdi, the state capital. Witnesses said the attackers carried out the operation without any immediate challenge from security forces.
President Tinubu stressed that leaders must avoid statements that fuel tensions and instead work towards justice and peaceful coexistence.
“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances,” he said.
The president concluded by saying provocateurs who ignite reprisal attacks must be restrained to avoid further escalation.
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