Tinubu to Visit on Wednesday

17 LGAs Under Attack Now Reduced to Six — Gov. Alia

Sultan: “We Can’t Remain Silent”

Obi: Nigeria Needs Leadership with Competence, Capacity, Character, and Compassion

Reactions from Mark, ACF, MBF, CAN, Ohanaeze, Others

The ongoing violence in Benue State has triggered a nationwide outcry, prompting visits on Monday from the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. Both security chiefs pledged to intensify efforts to combat the terrorists responsible for the recurring bloodshed.

General Musa, who toured affected communities including Yelwata, condemned the repeated killings, declaring them “one too many.” He suggested the involvement of local informants and stressed the importance of community cooperation in tackling the violence.

“We are here to change our strategy and look inward. We can't do it without the people. Issues of trust must be addressed, and this must be the last of such attacks,” he stated. He also revealed plans to visit Nasarawa and other vulnerable border regions.

Similarly, IGP Egbetokun, during his visit, assured Governor Hyacinth Alia and the people of Benue of reinforced police presence to restore security. Calling the attacks a blow to Nigeria’s sovereignty, he emphasized collaboration among security agencies for lasting peace.

Governor Alia thanked the security forces for their previous support and recounted how his administration had reduced the number of affected LGAs from 17 to just six. He described the attacks as “unprovoked and senseless,” stating, “We are bleeding. Your visit renews our hope.”

Tinubu to Visit Benue

President Bola Tinubu is set to visit Benue on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to assess the situation and show solidarity. According to his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the President postponed a trip to Kaduna in order to prioritize the Benue crisis.

“The President’s visit is aimed at understanding the crisis firsthand and supporting peace-building efforts,” Onanuga said.

Obi Demands Compassionate Leadership

Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, took to X (formerly Twitter) to decry the killings, insisting that Nigeria needs a leadership grounded in competence, capacity, character, and compassion.

“Leadership should not be tribal or religious,” Obi tweeted. “Recent tragedies — from floods in Niger to the Benue massacre — have seen no presidential visits. This lack of empathy highlights a dangerous leadership void.”

Labour Party’s acting national chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, echoed Obi’s sentiments, describing the attacks as exposing the government's failure to protect lives.

Sultan of Sokoto: Silence Is Dangerous

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed deep concern over the continued killings. Through JNI Secretary-General Professor Khalid Aliyu, he condemned the violence as “inhumane and ungodly,” citing the Quran to affirm the sanctity of human life.

He warned that continued silence and inaction threaten national cohesion and morality.

SGF Akume: A National Wound

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described the killings as “a deep wound to the soul of our nation.” He urged unity among Benue leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to restore peace.

ACF, MBF, CAN, and Ohanaeze React

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) lamented the deaths in Yelwata, expressing condolences and calling for urgent intervention.

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) advocated state-supervised self-defense, criticizing both federal and state governments for inadequate response. MBF's Luka Binyat questioned the impartiality of some top security appointments.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), via President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, condemned the killings as “horrific,” urging the federal government to act swiftly and ensure justice.

David Mark: People May Resort to Self-Defense

Former Senate President David Mark warned that continued inaction might force Benue residents to take up arms for self-protection. Calling the situation tragic and unacceptable, he reminded the government of its constitutional responsibility to secure lives and property.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo: Stop the Bloodshed

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide also denounced the violence, describing the mass killings and displacement as “callous and unacceptable.” The group urged both the state and federal governments to act decisively to prevent further tragedy.