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President Bola Tinubu traveled to Benue State on June 18, 2025, to express condolences and meet with local leaders following a mass killing in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 100 people were reportedly killed in a violent attack. The visit comes amid a surge in violence across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, driven by long-standing tensions over land use, water access, and ethnic divisions.
Presidential Response and Directives
During a town hall meeting with state officials and community stakeholders, President Tinubu condemned the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress”, and called for unity and collaboration to restore peace. He directed the formation of a Council of Elders, including former governors from Benue and neighboring Nasarawa State, to support reconciliation efforts.
The President also urged the allocation of land for ranching, a move aimed at reducing clashes between nomadic herders and settled farmers, a key source of conflict in the region. He encouraged traditional leaders to work closely with government authorities to foster dialogue and prevent further violence.
Background: A Cycle of Violence and Displacement
Benue State has been at the epicenter of herder-farmer conflicts, often involving Fulani herders and Christian farming communities. These disputes are exacerbated by climate change, desertification, and population growth, which have intensified competition for land and water resources.
According to security analysts, more than 1,000 people have been killed in Benue between May 2023 and May 2025, with thousands more displaced. The recent attack in Yelwata is part of a broader pattern of violence that has escalated despite previous government interventions.
Calls for Accountability and Security Reform
The President’s visit follows nationwide outrage and protests in Makurdi, the state capital, where citizens demanded stronger government action. While no group has claimed responsibility for the Yelwata massacre, the lack of arrests or clear attribution has fueled public frustration.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, peace, and security, and emphasized that Benue’s stability is critical to national cohesion.
For further context, see BBC News coverage and Daily Post Nigeria’s report.
Nigeria President Bola Tinubu by-Nosa Asemota
