Makurdi, Nigeria – Hobnob News
In response to the recent massacre in Benue State, where over 100 civilians were reportedly killed by armed assailants in Yelwata and Daudu communities, the Nigerian military has deployed air surveillance across Makurdi and surrounding local government areas. This swift response follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for urgent action to halt the bloodshed.
Hobnob News gathered that low-flying surveillance aircraft were seen hovering over Makurdi, Guma, and Gwer West since early Sunday, closely monitoring movements in a bid to preempt further violence. A senior military official, who requested anonymity, confirmed the operation, stating, “Residents should remain calm. The military is fully in control of the situation.”
Simultaneously, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assumed direct control of the state’s security architecture. Addressing reporters, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, announced the deployment of Special Forces to volatile areas, including Naka, Apa, Agatu, Daudu, and Yelwata.
“We have solid intelligence on the movement of these criminals. The tactical units are already active in the field. This is not just a show of force — this is a coordinated security response,” Ifeanyi said, assuring residents of improved safety.
On Sunday, distressed residents gathered at Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi in a peaceful protest demanding federal protection. However, the protest was disrupted by police using teargas after demonstrators declined to be addressed by the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, and the police commissioner.
The commissioner attributed Saturday’s attack to retaliatory violence by armed groups unsettled by increased police presence in Apa, Gwer West, and Agatu.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed intelligence agencies and security commanders to take charge of the situation and restore peace. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to initiate reconciliation talks with affected communities.
“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and lead a reconciliation process that will restore peace and foster understanding across all divides,” the statement read.
The president described the killings as “inhuman and unacceptable,” warning political and community leaders against making inflammatory remarks that could further inflame tensions. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to arresting and prosecuting all perpetrators of violence regardless of affiliation.
In a separate reaction, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, expressed grief over the continued bloodshed in Benue. Calling it “a stain on our collective conscience,” Obi urged the federal, state, and local governments to rise to their constitutional responsibility to protect citizens.
“This is not merely violence. It is a failure of leadership. Each life lost is irreplaceable,” Obi stated via his official X handle.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo offered solemn prayers for the victims of what he termed “a terrible massacre.” Speaking during the Sunday Angelus at the Vatican, the Pope condemned the killings and expressed concern over the safety of internally displaced persons in the region.
“I pray that security, justice, and peace will prevail in Nigeria, especially for the Christian communities in Benue who have repeatedly suffered cruel violence,” he said.
With fresh security reinforcements on the ground and the nation’s attention drawn to Benue, citizens are hopeful for swift justice, renewed peace, and a long-term strategy to curb the ongoing cycle of violence in the state.
