Benue leaders in the diaspora have strongly condemned a recent statement by President Tinubu's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, describing the mass killings in Benue State as "reprisal attacks" in a "farmer-herder conflict." The leaders rejected this narrative, declaring the ongoing violence in Benue as nothing short of genocide and ethnic cleansing.
*The Yelewata Massacre*
On June 14, 2025, a massacre occurred in Yelewata (Guma LGA), claiming more than 200 lives. This incident is part of a series of coordinated attacks across Benue State, which have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of communities.
*Demands for Action*
The Benue leaders demanded that President Tinubu take immediate action to address the crisis, including:
- Publicly acknowledging and condemning the massacres
- Deploying federal security forces to protect communities
- Launching a full investigation into the failure or complicity of military personnel
- Providing resettlement and rehabilitation programs for displaced communities
- Recovering ancestral lands under illegal occupation
*Call for Justice and Accountability*
The leaders emphasized the need for justice and accountability, stating that reconciliation cannot be achieved without addressing the root causes of the violence. They also expressed disappointment at the perceived silence and inaction from the Federal Government, lamenting the lack of meaningful responses to the repeated bloodshed.
*Conclusion*
The Benue leaders' statement highlights the urgent need for the Federal Government to take decisive action to address the crisis in Benue State. The ongoing violence and displacement of communities require a comprehensive response that prioritizes justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights.
