Following the horrific massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, where dozens lost their lives in an attack attributed to armed herdsmen, President Bola Tinubu has condemned the violence as “inhuman and anti-progress.” He has ordered security chiefs to enforce his previous directives aimed at restoring peace and preventing further killings.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President renewed his call for immediate and effective security operations. Intelligence and military personnel have been deployed to Benue to lead efforts against the perpetrators and stabilize the area. President Tinubu also tasked Governor Hyacinth Alia with convening reconciliation meetings to foster dialogue between the conflicting parties—farmers, herders, and local communities—to achieve lasting peace.
The massacre has exposed the fragile security situation in Benue and provoked widespread condemnation. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have criticized the government’s failure to protect vulnerable populations, warning that without urgent action, more lives will be lost. Locals and youth groups have expressed frustration over perceived government inaction, with some accusing Governor Alia of paying mere lip service to the crisis.
President Tinubu’s emphasis on political and community leaders’ responsibility to avoid inflammatory rhetoric highlights the role of leadership in either fueling or calming tensions. His call for statesmanship from Governor Alia signals the need for proactive governance and community engagement to break the cycle of violence.
The Yelewata massacre is a tragic reminder of the ongoing herder-farmer conflicts in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. President Tinubu’s response, combining security enforcement with dialogue initiatives, aims to address both the symptoms and root causes of the crisis. However, the effectiveness of this approach will be tested by the government’s ability to act decisively and inclusively in the coming weeks.
