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Benue Massacre: Governor Alia Confirms 59 Dead, Blames Attack On Suspected Herdsmen From Nasarawa

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Benue Massacre: Governor Alia Confirms 59 Dead, Blames Attack On Suspected Herdsmen From Nasarawa

Tragedy has once again struck the heart of Nigeria’s Middle Belt as Benue State reels from yet another brutal attack, this time in Yelewata, a border community with Nasarawa State. Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed on Sunday that 59 lives were lost in the assault allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen who invaded from Nasarawa.

What makes this massacre even more harrowing is that among the dead were military and civil defence personnel—men and women who gave their lives trying to protect the community.


🛑 A Calculated Invasion, A Community in Mourning

The Yelewata killings are not isolated. They are part of a troubling pattern of borderland violence that continues to plague Benue State. Governor Alia, speaking from the Government House, revealed that a joint effort between security operatives and bereaved families allowed authorities to arrive at the confirmed death toll of 59.

He disclosed that the attackers came from neighboring Nasarawa State, and thanked Governor Abdullahi Sule for providing crucial intelligence that helped piece together how the deadly raid unfolded. Despite efforts to repel the attackers, even the presence of security forces couldn’t prevent bloodshed.

Notably, one woman was also confirmed dead on the Nasarawa side during the incident, pointing to the cross-border nature of this tragedy.


🕊️ Pope Leo XIV Speaks Out: “A Terrible Massacre”

From the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV condemned the killings in Benue during his Sunday Angelus address. In what many are calling a rare and powerful moment of solidarity, the Pope referred to the incident as a “terrible massacre” and expressed deep sorrow over the continued bloodshed in Nigeria.

“We pray especially for the rural Christian communities of Benue, who have been relentless victims of violence,” the Pope stated.

The pontiff called for justice, peace, and security to be restored in a region that has become synonymous with loss and fear.


🔥 Tensions Boil Over: Youths and Influencers Take to the Streets

As news of the massacre spread, Makurdi erupted in protest. By early Sunday morning, youths gathered at the symbolic Wurukum food basket roundabout, demanding accountability and concrete action from the state and federal governments.

The protest took on new momentum when popular social media activist Martin Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, joined the demonstrators. Known for calling out government failures, corruption, and insecurity, his presence signaled a growing online-to-offline movement.

“We can’t continue like this. How many more lives must we lose before the government acts?” a protester shouted during the rally.


📘 Militia Panel Report and Promises of Action

In a related development, Governor Alia also received a report from the special panel of inquiry on militia activities in the Sankera axis, a known hotspot for banditry and sectarian violence. He assured the public that the government will forward the report to relevant federal authorities and investigate all individuals implicated in the findings.

“This is a step toward healing and restoration,” Alia said. “But we need more than reports—we need results.”


🧠 Analysis: A Cycle of Grief and Governance Gaps

The Yelewata massacre is not just a story of numbers—it’s a damning reflection of Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis. From under-policed rural areas to a lack of border control between volatile states, the inability to contain such attacks exposes gaping holes in the country’s internal security framework.

Worse still, these incidents often have deep ethnic and religious undertones, complicating resolutions and reinforcing fear across communities. Without significant reform, these tragedies may continue, with grieving families receiving little more than condolences.


🕯️ Conclusion: Justice Must Not Be Delayed

As Benue mourns, the rest of Nigeria must wake up. The death of 59 individuals, among them security officers, is a national disgrace—not just a local tragedy. The government, both at the state and federal levels, must act not only with speed but with sincerity.

Justice delayed here is not just justice denied—it is an invitation to the next massacre.

 

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