President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to Nigeria’s security chiefs, demanding immediate arrests over the recent massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, where 147 persons were killed by suspected herder-terrorists.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Makurdi, the state capital, the President expressed deep concern over the lack of arrests following the brutal attack and pledged to hold the security architecture accountable until peace is fully restored to Benue.
“How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata? Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately,” Tinubu said, turning pointedly to IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
He also directed the Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance and work closely with local communities to gather actionable intelligence.
Turning Tragedy into Prosperity
The President, who was accompanied by top government officials and state governors, said he aborted his earlier plan to commission projects in Benue due to the tragic nature of his visit, but assured that:
“We were elected to govern, not to bury people. The value of human life is greater than that of a cow.”
“Let us meet again in Abuja. Let’s fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace. I assure you, we will find peace and convert this tragedy into prosperity.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to democratic ideals and peace, acknowledging that leadership comes with criticism and tough choices.
“Not everyone will like you in politics. They hate me too—like hell. But here I am, still your President.”
Tor Tiv: “This Is Not a Clash, It’s Genocide”
In a powerful and emotional address, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, declared that what is happening in Benue is not a farmer-herder clash but a well-coordinated genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by armed herders and terrorists.
“We are dealing with a full-scale genocidal invasion, not communal clashes. This conflict is about territory, about land, and it's being misrepresented — which has led to wrong treatment and poor response,” the monarch said.
He cautioned against political manipulation of the crisis and urged the President to treat the situation as a national emergency.
“Your Excellency, Benue has made huge sacrifices for Nigeria’s unity. All we ask is to stop our weeping. Give us peace so our farmers can go back to the land and feed this country.”
Alia Demands Intervention Fund and State Police
Benue State Governor, Rev. Hyacinth Alia, commended Tinubu for being the first president to visit the state in the aftermath of a mass killing, but pleaded for urgent help.
He called for:
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A Special Federal Intervention Fund to rebuild ravaged communities.
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The establishment of state police to address insecurity more effectively.
“We left everything behind because of the deadly attack on our people. We need urgent attention from the Federal Government and well-meaning Nigerians.”
The Broader Crisis
According to reports, over 500 people have been killed in various attacks across Benue in 2025 alone. The violence has displaced thousands, most of whom are now taking shelter in IDP camps in Benue and neighbouring Nasarawa State.
The Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) reported that more than 3,000 IDPs, mostly women and children, are in desperate need of food, healthcare, and shelter in Kadarko, Agyaragu, Kpata, and Idadu camps.
Massive Reception Amid Pain
Despite the gloomy occasion, hundreds lined the streets of Makurdi in the rain to welcome President Tinubu, with okada riders singing and escorting his convoy to the Government House.
While the visit brought hope, the overarching message from Benue leaders was clear: “We need action, not words.”
The President’s visit may have rekindled optimism, but the people of Benue — still reeling from loss, fear, and displacement — await the day their farmlands are restored, their homes rebuilt, and justice served.
