Benue Massacre Spurs Nationwide Security Crackdown and Political Response

The horrific killing of nearly 200 villagers in Yelewata village, Guma LGA, Benue State, has triggered a robust response from Nigeria’s security apparatus and political leadership. On Monday, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun arrived in the state to lead a joint cross-border manhunt for the gunmen responsible for the mass slaughter on June 13, 2025.

General Musa, after surveying the scene of destruction, vowed to overhaul military tactics to confront the terrorists more effectively. “We cannot do it alone without the community,” he said, emphasizing the need for local cooperation. He also noted the attackers’ apparent insider assistance, pointing to the selective nature of the arson attacks. “There may be trust issues that we are going to address,” he added.

The CDS highlighted the challenge posed by the porous borders with Nasarawa State, promising to engage with the Nasarawa governor to tighten security. “Wherever they come from, we will go after them,” he declared, underscoring the government’s resolve to restore peace.

IGP Egbetokun described the attacks as assaults on Nigeria’s sovereignty and pledged to increase police presence despite logistical challenges. “The criminal elements and bandits might have operated here with impunity in the past but a day is fast approaching when they would come to attack but would never return,” he stated.

Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed grief over the escalating violence but remained hopeful that the combined efforts of federal and state authorities would bring relief. He acknowledged support from President Tinubu’s administration and detailed ongoing efforts to reduce the number of affected local governments.

President Tinubu, in a move signaling the gravity of the situation, postponed his Kaduna visit to instead tour Benue on June 18. His visit aims to engage all stakeholders in dialogue and coordinate a comprehensive peace strategy. The President has also dispatched senior security officials to oversee operations on the ground.

The massacre has drawn condemnation from religious and ethnic groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum and Jama’atu Nasril Islam, both calling for enhanced security measures and relief for victims. Rights organizations have urged the President to declare a constitutional state of emergency and launch a full-scale security operation.

Former Senate President David Mark warned that continued government inaction risks communities resorting to self-defense. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party criticized the federal government’s handling of security, accusing it of lethargy and complicity.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) linked the violence to political persecution, asserting that their leader’s detention has emboldened attackers. The Nigeria Governors Forum and civil society organizations have called for unity and decisive action to end the violence.

This latest massacre underscores the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and porous borders have created a volatile environment. The coordinated military, police, and political response seeks to break this cycle and restore stability.