Attack Comes Shortly After Presidential Visit
Just 48 hours after President Tinubu visited Makurdi, Benue State is once again under siege. An overnight raid on Yelewata in Guma LGA left at least 150 people dead, many burned alive, and homes destroyed. The attack, believed carried out by armed herdsmen or bandits, marks yet another brutal episode in the region’s escalating crisis.
Tinubu visited Makurdi days after the massacre and emphasized the need for justice, demanding arrests from security forces. He also announced orders for a coordinated military and police crackdown on perpetrators. Yet, the timing of this fresh attack—so soon after official attention—has sparked widespread concern and criticism .
🛡️ Why the Violence Continues
- Delayed Security Response: Despite the recent presidential attention, attacks have continued without effective intervention.
- Fear and Impunity: Analysts attribute the ongoing violence to weakened law enforcement, porous enforcement of anti-grazing laws, and lack of political will
- Displacement and Traumatization: Continuous attacks force residents to abandon homes, farmlands, and livelihoods—aggravating the humanitarian crisis.
🔍 What Needs to Change
- Swift Justice: Arrest and prosecute attackers promptly—Tinubu himself demanded results .
- Improved Security Presence: Deploy security forces proactively—not just after attacks.
- Strengthen Anti-Grazing Enforcement: Implement and uphold laws against open grazing to curb cattlemen violence.
- Community-Inclusive Strategies: Engage local leaders and strengthen neighborhood surveillance to counter attacks early.
