President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s security agencies to swiftly hunt down those responsible for a brutal attack in Benue State that left at least 150 people dead.
The assault, which occurred in the Yelewata community between Friday night and Saturday morning, marks one of the deadliest recent episodes in Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis.
During a visit to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday, Tinubu met with local leaders and victims at a hospital, pledging that justice would be served.
“We will restore peace, rebuild, and bring the perpetrators to justice. You are not alone,” the President said via his official X handle.
Attackers Storm Yelewata Village Overnight
According to survivors and the local farmers’ union, the attackers opened fire on villagers as they slept and set homes ablaze.
Many victims had been seeking refuge in a local market after fleeing earlier violence elsewhere in the state.
Local authorities blame the attack on armed herdsmen, in what has become a recurring cycle of violence tied to Nigeria’s prolonged pastoralist-farmer conflict.
Critics Slam Delayed Response
Tinubu’s visit came five days after the massacre, a delay that drew heavy criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups.
His office did not release an official statement until more than 24 hours after the incident, sparking accusations of apathy toward the victims.
Despite visiting the state capital, the President did not travel to Yelewata itself—further fueling discontent among locals and observers.
Tinubu Queries Police
Addressing senior Police officers in Benue, the president questioned why no arrests had been made days after the massacre.
“How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” Tinubu said during the security briefing.
The attack has once again highlighted Nigeria’s broader security failures and the recurring pattern of impunity that plagues the country’s justice system.
Experts Warn of Worsening Insecurity
Security analyst Senator Iroegbu, based in Abuja, criticized the government’s inability to enforce justice.
“In the end, the result is the same: No justice, no accountability, and no closure for the victims and their communities.
He also added that “Until this changes, impunity will remain the norm, and such tragedies will continue to occur.”
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