Atiku Condemns Massacre in Benue as Presidency Remains Silent

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the killing of over 200 residents in Yelwata, a community in Benue State, describing the massacre as a national tragedy that demands urgent action. The attack, which took place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, was reportedly carried out by armed men suspected to be herders. Despite the scale of the violence, there has been no official statement from the Presidency as of Sunday evening.

In a statement posted on his official X account, Atiku expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the killings, warning that Nigeria is fast approaching a breaking point due to unchecked violence and growing insecurity.

“I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of the fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 200 innocent lives are feared lost,” he wrote. “These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscore the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation.”

He called on the Federal Government and the Benue State authorities to urgently launch a transparent investigation to identify and prosecute the perpetrators, stressing that justice must not be delayed. He also urged the government to boost security operations in the region by deploying adequate personnel, equipment, and intelligence to protect vulnerable communities.

Atiku emphasised the need for both immediate relief and long-term solutions. “Compensation and support efforts, including medical aid, trauma counselling, and livelihood restoration should be accelerated for survivors and bereaved families,” he said. “This assault on innocent Nigerians is not just a local tragedy, it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention and decisive action.”

He called for national unity and urged Nigerians, regardless of tribe or religion, to collectively condemn the atrocity and demand accountability from their leaders. “We must hold our leaders accountable and insist on sustainable solutions to the violent tragedies claiming lives across the country,” he added.

The attack has triggered protests across Benue State. On Sunday morning, angry youths gathered at the Wurukum food basket roundabout in Makurdi to demand government action. Protesters accused President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia of remaining silent while children, women, and the elderly were killed in their homes.

Efforts by Deputy Governor Sam Ode to address the demonstrators were rejected, with the youths demanding that Governor Alia appear in person. Tensions escalated when security forces tried to disperse the crowd using tear gas.

Governor Alia later issued a statement condemning the killings and described the attack as an unjustifiable act of terror, but many residents believe the government’s response has been too slow and inadequate.

As the death toll continues to rise and families bury their loved ones, there is growing public anger over the silence from the country’s leadership and the absence of decisive measures to prevent future attacks.