The massacre of approximately 200 villagers in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, on June 13, 2025, has prompted a decisive response from Nigeria’s security agencies and political leadership. Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun arrived in the state on Monday to lead a joint cross-border manhunt for the assailants.
General Musa, after assessing the destruction, pledged to change military strategies to better confront the terrorists. “In every society, including the military, there are always people who compromise,” he said. “We’re here to ensure that we address such.” He highlighted the presence of insiders aiding the attackers, citing the targeted arson attacks. “If you see the way some of the burnings were made, you know that they were targeted,” he said.
The Defence Chief called for community cooperation, emphasizing that the military cannot succeed alone. He also pointed to the porous borders with Nasarawa State as a security challenge, promising to engage the Nasarawa governor.
Inspector-General Egbetokun condemned the attacks as assaults on Nigeria’s sovereignty and vowed to increase police deployment despite the vast terrain. “We might not be able to cover every inch of the place, but we will deploy adequately,” he assured.
Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed sorrow over the attacks but welcomed federal support. He described the violence as complex and partly driven by external armed groups. “We have a complex situation that is being sponsored and controlled from somewhere,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu rescheduled his Kaduna visit to travel to Benue on June 18. His visit will include meetings with traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth groups to seek lasting peace. The President has dispatched senior security officials to coordinate efforts.
The massacre has drawn condemnation from various groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, and international faith organizations. Rights groups have called for a constitutional state of emergency and comprehensive military operations.
Former Senate President David Mark warned that failure to protect citizens could lead to self-defense by communities. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party criticized the federal government’s response as lethargic and insufficient.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) linked the violence to political persecution of their leader. The Nigeria Governors Forum and civil society groups have urged unity and decisive action.
This tragic event highlights ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where intercommunal conflicts and banditry threaten lives and livelihoods. The combined military, police, and political response aims to restore peace and stability.