In the wake of the devastating Yelewata massacre in Benue State between late Friday, June 13 and early Saturday, June 14, 2025, where at least 59 people were killed in a brutal attack by suspected herdsmen, President Bola Tinubu has renewed his call for decisive security measures and peaceful dialogue. The President described the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” emphasizing the urgent need to restore peace and security in the region.
President Tinubu directed the nation’s intelligence chiefs, police, and military to intensify operations in Benue to prevent further bloodshed. His spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that security forces have arrived in the state to implement the President’s earlier directives aimed at ending the cycle of violence. The President also tasked Governor Hyacinth Alia to lead reconciliation efforts among the warring communities, urging political and community leaders to avoid inflammatory statements that could escalate tensions.
The massacre has sparked widespread outrage and protests across Benue, with youths and civil society groups demanding urgent government intervention. Critics, including prominent business leaders and opposition politicians, have condemned what they perceive as delayed and inadequate responses from both state and federal authorities. Dr. Benjamin Orduen, a local business mogul, accused the Tinubu administration of neglecting the Middle Belt’s security challenges, highlighting the economic impact of the violence on agricultural investments in the state. Opposition figures like Peter Obi have labeled the killings a failure of leadership and called for accountability.
Despite the President’s directives, skepticism remains among residents who question the effectiveness of security measures and the political will to protect lives. Governor Alia’s response has been criticized by some youths as insufficient and slow, underscoring the deep frustration felt by the affected communities.
President Tinubu’s reaction underscores the complexity of the conflict in Benue, which involves longstanding tensions between farmers and herders. His emphasis on dialogue and reconciliation reflects an understanding that military action alone cannot resolve the crisis. The call for responsible leadership and community cooperation is a crucial step toward sustainable peace, but the challenge lies in translating these directives into tangible security improvements on the ground.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s response to the Yelewata massacre combines a firm stance on security enforcement with a plea for political maturity and reconciliation. The success of these efforts will depend on coordinated action by security agencies, political leaders, and community stakeholders to end the violence and rebuild trust in Benue State.