Benue Killings: CDS, IGP, Gov Alia Visit Yelwata as Tinubu Plans Wednesday Trip Amid National Outrage

Amid rising national anger over renewed violence in Benue State, top security and political figures visited Yelwata, Guma LGA, on Monday following a deadly attack that left at least 59 residents dead and displaced more than 3,000 others.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, visited the community and vowed to end the wave of killings, allegedly carried out by armed herders.

General Musa, who toured the scene of the attack, ordered military commanders in Benue and Nasarawa to review their strategies, saying, “We are tired of innocent souls being killed. We must change tactics, work closely with communities, and restore peace.”

He emphasized the importance of collaboration with residents and traditional institutions, warning that insider support for attackers must be eliminated. “We’ll go after them wherever they come from. This madness must stop—and it will.”

Governor Alia expressed hope that the high-level visit would mark a turning point. “This visit from the CDS and IGP means a lot. We are hopeful this carnage will end.”

The IGP, in his remarks, directed the immediate deployment of additional tactical units and charged the DIG Operations to oversee renewed efforts in Benue. “We are with the people. One day, these bandits will attack and never return,” he said.

Tinubu to Visit Benue on Wednesday

President Bola Tinubu announced he would visit Benue on Wednesday, following the renewed bloodshed. According to his media adviser Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu plans to hold a town hall meeting with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and other stakeholders to discuss lasting peace strategies.

Youth Protest in Makurdi

On Sunday, angry youths staged a protest in Makurdi at the Wurukum roundabout, demanding government action and expressing outrage at the perceived silence of both the state and federal authorities.

The protest, led by online activist Martin Otse (aka VeryDarkMan), turned tense when Deputy Governor Sam Ode tried to address the crowd but was rejected by the protesters. Security operatives later dispersed the crowd using tear gas.

Global and National Reactions

Pope Leo XIV condemned the killings during his Sunday Angelus address, describing the attack as a “terrible massacre” targeting displaced civilians with “extreme cruelty.”

Nigerian leaders also voiced outrage. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and musician 2Baba all demanded immediate action to end the violence.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), over 6,500 people have been displaced by the attacks. The agency said urgent aid is needed, including food, clean water, and medical supplies. Among the displaced are 657 children, 252 nursing mothers, 82 pregnant women, and 91 elderly persons.

📸 IGP Egbetokun, CDS Musa, and Governor Alia at Yelwata, June 16, 2025
📸 Protesting youths in Makurdi, June 15, 2025