The stench of smoke still hung heavy in Yelewata, Benue State, after gunmen killed an estimated 200 villagers on Friday, June 13, 2025. In response, Nigeria’s military and police have launched a joint, cross-border manhunt.
Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun arrived in Makurdi and Yelewata on Monday to coordinate the operation. Musa, after witnessing the carnage, vowed to take the battle to the terrorists, changing military strategy to fit the situation.
However, Musa expressed concern that the attackers are operating with help from within the community. “In every society, including the military, there are always people who compromise,” he told journalists in Yelewata. He promised to meet with commanders to adjust strategies.
Musa emphasized the crucial need for community support, stating that armed forces’ efforts are futile without it. “There may be trust issues that we are going to address. For us, we want this to be the last that would happen.” He noted that the targeted burnings indicated insider involvement.
The Defence Chief also acknowledged the porous borders between Nasarawa and Benue states, pledging to meet with the Nasarawa State Governor to address this challenge. “We are determined, based on the mandate of Mr. President, that we will restore peace and tranquillity within the country. Wherever they come from, we will go after them. We must not wait for them to attack.”
The Attack and its Aftermath
Gunmen stormed Yelewata late Friday, June 13, unleashing one of the deadliest assaults the state has seen in years. Amnesty International and local reports indicate at least 100 residents were killed, dozens are missing, and hundreds are nursing gunshot and burn wounds after houses were set ablaze.
Local police confirmed the raid but haven’t released final casualty figures. Emergency workers reported that many victims were internally displaced people who had sought refuge in the village after earlier attacks.
The Benue State government has launched a manhunt, but residents fear reprisals as the rainy season, a period of disputed grazing and planting, begins. Pope Leo prayed for the “terrible massacre” during his Sunday Angelus. This incident is the latest in a cycle of violence linked to farmer-herder tensions, banditry, and a security vacuum that rights groups say allows perpetrators to act with “utter impunity.”
Police and Government Response
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, described the attacks as a threat to the nation’s sovereignty. In Makurdi, he commiserated with the Benue government and people, vowing to end the bloodshed. “These mindless acts of terror are not just attacks on Benue people, but they are attacks on the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. An attack on any community of Nigeria is an attack on the entire country.”
Egbetokun promised a decisive shift: “The criminal elements and bandits might have operated here with impunity in the past but a day is fast approaching when they would come to attack but would never return.” He acknowledged the vast terrain of Benue State, promising adequate deployment of officers despite limited numbers. “We will deploy adequately to ensure the protection of lives and property in Benue.” He vowed close synergy with other security agencies to restore lasting peace.
Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed the state’s profound grief. “We are bleeding, we are in sorrow. I believe your visit is going to uplift our spirits and build within us formidable assurance of the fact that we are not alone but that you will be there for us.” He expressed optimism that with President Bola Tinubu’s and security agencies’ support, peace would return. “There has been an upsurge of attacks recently. We have not rested in the last two months.”
Presidential Intervention
President Bola Tinubu rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State, instead traveling to Benue on Wednesday, June 18, as part of renewed efforts to foster peace. He will visit Kaduna on Thursday, June 19.
“I sympathise with those who have lost their lives. I will adjust my programmes and see Benue people on Wednesday,” Tinubu said. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the visit aims to “assess firsthand the recurring crisis.”
President Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups—to seek lasting solutions. He has already dispatched a high-level delegation to Benue, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees. A town hall meeting with stakeholders is also planned.
President Tinubu had previously condemned the violence and urged leaders and residents to embrace peace. He also directed security chiefs to implement his earlier directive to bring peace and security to Benue State. He charged Governor Alia to convene reconciliation meetings and dialogue among warring parties. “On the President’s directive, intelligence chiefs, the police and the military have arrived in the state to direct security operations and restore sanity,” Onanuga stated.
Ahead of his visit, President Tinubu met with Governor Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, a former Benue State governor, to explore peaceful solutions. Alia confirmed this meeting on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, clarifying there was no rift between him and Akume. “The SGF himself said there are no differences between us. And if there were any before, going forward, there will be no problems at all. Our traditional rulers can sleep peacefully,” he stated.
Federal Government and Stakeholder Reactions
SGF Akume confirmed the deployment of additional troops to Benue State, reaffirming the federal government’s resolve to end the violence. He stated President Tinubu ordered a full-scale military operation. Akume noted these attacks are not unique to Benue, affecting Plateau and Zamfara states as well, and are “economic deterministic, not religious driven.”
Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, warned the Federal Government that Benue people might resort to self-help if the government fails in its duty to protect lives and property.
Killings Condemned
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) have condemned the killings, urging security agencies to intensify efforts. The ACF described it as a “gruesome episode of violence,” calling for reviewed strategies, including vigilance and improved intelligence. They also demanded immediate provision of relief materials.
JNI, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, called the killings “dastardly and barbaric,” emphasizing the sanctity of human life. “Enough is enough. Our collective silence or indifference may only serve to embolden the enemies of peace and national unity in Nigeria.”
Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, CEO of CSW-N, lamented Benue’s inability to farm due to violence, urging the Federal Government to move “from mere rhetoric… to a sincere, committed, and single-minded determination to halt the killings.”
Rights Group Calls for Emergency Action
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) called on President Tinubu to launch a comprehensive security operation and declare a “constitutional” state of emergency in Benue. Executive Director Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma stated the killings are a national embarrassment.
“Declare a constitutional state of emergency in Benue State. Use the powers granted to you under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. You do not need to suspend the Governor or the House of Assembly — that would be unconstitutional. But clearly, the Governor is overwhelmed, and you are empowered to act,” the statement read.
RULAAC advocated for a comprehensive security operation involving all military and police arms, coordinated by the National Security Adviser and Defence Headquarters. They urged swift justice for arrested perpetrators.
They also advised the President to visit Yelewata immediately to mourn with survivors, assure justice, and announce relief. Crucially, RULAAC urged an end to “dialogue” with killers: “There is no dialogue with genocidal actors — only justice. Mass murderers should be prosecuted, not placated. Dialogue without justice is what got us here in the first place.”
IPCR’s Call for Collective Action
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) voiced deep concern. In a statement by Director General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, IPCR urged all stakeholders, not just government, to unite against the violence. “The IPCR notes that the incessant violence, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property, has become a recurring theme in the lives of citizens,” the statement read. “The situation has reached a boiling point, and it is imperative to acknowledge that Nigeria cannot continue on this trajectory of bloodshed. There is a need for all hands to be on deck to address this situation. Stakeholders from all sectors should come out and raise their voices against this development; it should not be left to the government alone.”
The IPCR highlighted immense human suffering, displacement, trauma, and broader consequences on social fabric and economy. While acknowledging security agencies’ role, IPCR stressed equipping them with adequate resources and training, while ensuring human rights and rule of law. Furthermore, the institute underscored the critical importance of dialogue among government, community leaders, youth groups, and other interest groups to address grievances and foster lasting peace. They called for open platforms for discussion. “Dialogue is essential in resolving conflicts and promoting peace. The government must engage with various stakeholders… This includes creating a platform for dialogue, where issues can be discussed openly and honestly,” the statement reiterated. IPCR’s message was clear: “Nigeria cannot continue on this trajectory of bloodshed. The nation must chart a new course, one that prioritises peace, security, and development. This requires a multifaceted approach, involving the government, security agencies, and civil society.”