By Charles Pemu 
Makurdi – President Bola Tinubu is today embarking on a crucial visit to Benue State, a move signaling renewed federal efforts to address the relentless conflict that claimed over 200 lives last weekend, allegedly at the hands of armed herdsmen. This presidential intervention comes amidst a national outcry from political, religious, and community leaders demanding an end to the escalating violence.
According to a statement released yesterday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s visit is intended to assess the recurring crises firsthand, meet with stakeholders including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups, and seek lasting solutions. A high-powered delegation, comprising the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees, was dispatched ahead of his arrival. The President has already rescheduled an official visit to Kaduna to accommodate this urgent engagement.
The On-Ground Reality: Governor Alia’s Confirmation Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Monday confirmed that armed herders, often entering the state without cattle, were responsible for the recent wave of violent attacks. Speaking on Channels Television, Governor Alia revealed that assailants, some believed to be non-Nigerians arriving from neighboring Nasarawa and even Cameroon, use AK-47s and AK-49s to commit murders, destroy communities, and subsequently occupy the land. He noted a dangerous evolution from traditional farmer-herder clashes to actions by “armed herdsmen,” now encompassing “bandits and terrorists.”
Federal Condemnations and Police Intervention Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, a son of Benue, condemned the killings, asserting that the perpetrators are driven by economic interests rather than religious motives. He described the situation as a “deep wound to the soul of our nation,” acknowledging similar tragedies in Plateau and Zamfara states. Akume expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s swift directive for a security operation and confirmed federal assistance through NEMA and increased troop deployment.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, arrived in Benue yesterday, confirming the deployment of additional tactical teams and assets. After commiserating with Governor Alia and inspecting damages at the Yelwata Community in Guma LGA alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the IGP condemned the attacks as “senseless” and “an act of terrorism,” vowing to bring perpetrators to justice. The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Dali Yakubu, has been assigned to oversee these renewed efforts.
Religious Leaders Demand Action The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, alongside the leadership of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), expressed deep pain over the “gruesome killings,” declaring “enough is enough.” JNI criticized the security agencies’ often reactive posture, calling for intelligence-driven, proactive measures and synergy among all stakeholders.
Similarly, CCN President, Most Rev. David Onuoha, condemned the “massacre of more than 200 innocent lives,” questioning why attacks persist near security checkpoints and why no arrests or convictions have been recorded. CCN called for an immediate declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity in Benue, Plateau, and other affected states, even suggesting a six-month ban on 2027 election campaigns to focus solely on national security.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through its President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, demanded the urgent prosecution of those responsible to break the cycle of violence and impunity. CAN called for reinforced security, a state of emergency where necessary, and a thorough, transparent investigation, also appealing to the international community for support.
Political Pressure and Warnings Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, issued a stark warning that if the Federal Government fails to stem the killings, people would be left with no option but to defend themselves. He decried the “senseless, tragic, and unacceptable” violence, reminding the government of its primary responsibility for citizen welfare and security.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) condemned the Yelewata carnage, noting its occurrence just days after the Chief of Army Staff relocated to Benue, suggesting a need to review prevailing containment strategies. ACF urged proactive measures, improved intelligence gathering, and for citizens to reject hate narratives.
The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) directly blamed President Tinubu and the APC for failing on security, describing the attacks as “another horrifying chapter” under an “unresponsive” administration. The party accused Tinubu’s “lethargic approach” of emboldening assailants and held him “responsible” for the killings, urging decisive action. Despite its criticism, PDP commended security forces for their sacrifices under what it termed an “underperforming Commander-in-Chief.”
As President Tinubu arrives today, the nation watches, hoping for a definitive strategy to bring lasting peace and justice to the beleaguered communities of Benue State.