“This Madness Must Stop”: Military, Police Hunt Killers After Benue Massacre Leaves 200 Dead
YELEWATA, BENUE STATE – A massive joint military and police operation is underway across Benue and Nasarawa states following the gruesome massacre of around 200 villagers in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, on Friday night, June 13, 2025.
Top security officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, arrived in Makurdi and Yelewata on Monday to assess the carnage and launch a cross-border manhunt for the assailants.
General Musa, visibly shaken by the scale of the killings, pledged to take the fight to the attackers, calling the incident “one killing too many.” He hinted at insider collaboration, citing the targeted nature of the attack and the strategic burnings of homes.
“We will change our strategy and take the battle to the terrorists. This must be the last. But we cannot do it without the community’s support,” Musa said.
IGP Egbetokun echoed the urgency, describing the massacre as an attack not just on Benue, but on Nigeria’s sovereignty. He assured that the police and other agencies will tighten operations despite terrain challenges.
“They may have operated with impunity in the past, but a day is coming when they will attack and never return,” the IGP vowed.
President Tinubu Cancels Kaduna Trip, Heads to Benue
Reacting to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled his planned visit to Kaduna, opting instead to travel to Benue on Wednesday, June 18, to meet with victims, security chiefs, and community leaders in a bid to restore peace. His spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the President’s decision in a Monday statement, emphasizing Tinubu’s resolve to personally assess and end the bloodshed.
In preparation for the visit, Tinubu has dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), heads of security agencies, and the National Security Adviser to the state.
Locals Devastated, Fearing More Attacks
According to Amnesty International and local authorities, over 100 villagers were killed, dozens injured, and hundreds displaced as gunmen stormed Yelewata late Friday, torching homes and shooting residents through the early hours of Saturday. Many victims were already internally displaced from prior attacks.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, who met with the President alongside SGF George Akume, lamented the continued bloodshed in his state, revealing that 17 out of 23 local government areas had been under siege at one point.
“We are bleeding. We are in sorrow. But we are hopeful that, with all hands on deck, this narrative will change,” the governor said.
He blamed external forces for the attacks, describing the conflict as “sponsored and armed from outside,” and denied claims of federal neglect.
Akume, David Mark Weigh In
SGF George Akume described the attacks as “a wound to the nation” and confirmed the deployment of more troops to Benue, following President Tinubu’s directive for a full-scale military crackdown.
Former Senate President David Mark issued a stern warning to the federal government, saying continued failure to protect citizens could force the people of Benue to resort to self-defense.
“This is the unfortunate reality. If the government continues to fail, the people may be left with no choice but to defend themselves,” Mark stated.
As the rainy season begins — often marked by tensions between herders and farmers — communities across Benue remain on high alert, fearing reprisals and renewed attacks.