An attack on Yelewata village, Guma Local Government Area, claimed the lives of at least 100 people, according to Amnesty International, Eyewitnesses and rights groups reported scenes of horror, with houses set ablaze and bodies burnt inside. Dozens remain missing, and hundreds are injured.
The Governor of Benue state, Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the massacre as a “bloodbath” and dispatched a team led by Deputy Governor Sam Ode to coordinate relief, support, and security responses. He vowed increased cooperation with federal security agencies, community leaders, and traditional institutions to increase the level of security and intelligence gathering.
President Bola Tinubu described the killing as “depressing” and declared “enough is enough.” He ordered intelligence chiefs, police, and military to implement previous peace directives and instructed Governor Alia to convene reconciliation meetings among conflicting parties . Tinubu also warned community and political leaders against hate speech that could spark reprisal attacks.
Angry youths blocked major roads in Makurdi, chanting “Stop Benue killings” and demanding swift government action. Police responded with tear gas when Deputy Governor Ode attempted to address them.
Stakeholders ranging from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to the Vatican have called for urgent and decisive measures. Pope Leo XIV prayed for justice and an end to violence.
Political figures including: Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) blamed the crisis on leadership failure and urged the FG to escalate security deployment, ensure investigations, and pursue justice.
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