The Benue killings have once again captured national and international attention as prominent Nigerians, including music icon 2Baba, presidential hopeful Peter Obi, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), call for decisive action from the government. With rising insecurity and the haunting toll of lives lost, Nigerians are demanding an end to the bloodshed in one of the country’s most afflicted regions.
Innocent Idibia, widely known as 2Baba, took to social media to decry the escalating violence that has turned parts of Benue into a war zone. In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, the Afrobeat legend described the killings as a national emergency and expressed deep anguish over the government’s prolonged inaction.
“My heart is heavy. I am terribly sad and angry. What is happening in Benue State has become a national emergency. I can’t wrap my head around it anymore. This has to stop,” 2Baba said, calling for unity among stakeholders to address the crisis.
The most recent attacks reportedly occurred in Yelewata village, where dozens were killed in what authorities believe were assaults by suspected armed herdsmen. These recurring assaults have left a trail of death, displacement, and despair.
In response to public pressure and growing political backlash, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun visited Benue State on Monday. The IGP’s arrival follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive to security forces to act swiftly and decisively.
“I have ordered security agencies to act swiftly, apprehend those responsible for these heinous acts, and ensure they face justice,” President Tinubu declared on Sunday.
Egbetokun has since deployed additional tactical teams to the region to restore peace and bring the perpetrators to justice. However, critics argue that these efforts are long overdue and lack the urgency to address a situation that has festered for over a decade.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) issued a scathing statement, highlighting the wider implications of the Benue killings on Nigeria’s international image and public trust in government.
“These killings… can erode public confidence in the nation-state, and negatively impact the international image of Nigeria,” said NUJ National Secretary Achike Chude.
The NUJ also lamented the government’s longstanding failure to deliver on its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding citizens, pointing out that for 15 years, successive administrations have made promises but failed to end the violence.
“The Benue killings are one more killing too many… We need a different outcome this time around.”
Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader Peter Obi joined the chorus of criticism, taking direct aim at President Tinubu for what he described as a “lack of leadership empathy.” Obi questioned why, in the face of mass casualties in Benue and severe flooding in Niger State, the President failed to visit the affected communities.
“Over 200 Nigerians were massacred in Benue. Yet, no presidential visit. No national mourning. No leadership face to comfort the grieving or give hope,” Obi wrote on X.
Drawing comparisons to global responses, Obi noted how the leaders of India and South Africa personally visited scenes of tragedy within hours of disasters in their countries, emphasizing the importance of leadership with compassion.
Obi urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious lines when choosing leaders, emphasizing the need for competence, character, and compassion. He insisted that leadership failures would persist unless citizens begin voting for individuals who possess the capacity and moral compass to lead effectively.
As voices grow louder and tempers flare across the nation, one thing is clear: the Benue killings have become a flashpoint for larger questions about governance, security, and national identity in Nigeria.
While tactical deployments and presidential statements may momentarily calm tensions, many Nigerians—led by public figures like 2Baba and Obi—are demanding more than words. They want lasting peace, justice for the victims, and a government that shows up when it matters most.
Until then, Benue remains a tragic reminder of what happens when a nation normalizes crisis and neglects the value of human life.
