Benue Massacre: Tinubu Orders Security Clampdown as Pope Leo XIV Mourns Victims
ABUJA, President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern directive to Nigeria’s security chiefs, demanding immediate and decisive action to halt the recurring bloodshed in Benue State. This follows a gruesome attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where more than 100 civilians were slaughtered by suspected Fulani militias.
The presidential order, made public in a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Sunday, signals a renewed urgency from the presidency to contain the spiraling violence that has long plagued Nigeria’s North-Central region. Mr. Tinubu described the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” vowing that the cycle of violence must come to an end.
In the wake of the massacre, military and police intelligence chiefs were swiftly deployed to Benue to lead on-ground operations, Onanuga confirmed.
“The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough,” President Tinubu declared.
The attack triggered immediate public outrage, with aggrieved youths blocking the Lafia–Makurdi highway in protest. The unrest spilled into the state capital on Sunday, prompting police to deploy teargas to disperse demonstrators.
The president also directed Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to urgently initiate a reconciliation process involving all factions herders, farmers, and community leaders. Mr. Tinubu emphasized that long-term peace could only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and a sincere commitment to justice and coexistence.
“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation,” the statement read.
President Tinubu warned political and community leaders against making inflammatory remarks that could aggravate the situation, calling instead for responsible leadership and restraint. He ordered the arrest and prosecution of all individuals found instigating violence, regardless of their affiliations.
The conflict in Benue, like many parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt, stems from protracted resource-based tensions between nomadic herders and sedentary farmers. These disputes, often stoked by climate pressures and ethnic divisions, have escalated into one of the country’s most enduring security challenges.
Pope Leo XIV Condemns Massacre, Offers Prayers
Meanwhile, global religious leaders have begun to weigh in. Pope Leo XIV, in a poignant moment during Sunday’s Angelus prayer at the Vatican, mourned the loss of life in Benue, particularly those who were reportedly sheltering in a local Catholic mission.
“I pray for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria,” said the pontiff, expressing deep sorrow for what he termed a “terrible massacre.”
The Pope’s comments reflect growing international concern over Nigeria’s internal security and human rights conditions.
As Benue continues to reel from the tragedy, citizens across Nigeria are demanding that government action go beyond rhetoric and yield real protection for communities that have lived under the shadow of violence for years.
Analysis: A Test of Tinubu’s Will
This latest episode in Benue presents a critical test for President Tinubu’s administration, which has pledged to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture. While his words suggest determination, critics argue that only sustained action, transparent investigations, and justice for victims will break the cycle of impunity.
As security forces prepare for operations in the state, the coming days will determine whether this marks a turning point or just another chapter in Nigeria’s long, bloody struggle for peace in the Middle Belt. thedailycourierng news
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Benue Massacre: Tinubu Orders Security Clampdown as Pope Leo XIV Mourns Victims