Barely 48 hours after President Bola Tinubu visited Benue State to address the escalating insecurity, marauding herdsmen have launched a fresh attack on Wannune community in Tarka Local Government Area, plunging residents into chaos and fear.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to SaharaReporters on Friday evening described a terrifying scene as armed attackers stormed the community, setting houses ablaze and destroying everything in sight. Residents, caught unawares, fled into nearby bushes to escape the violence.
According to Hobnob News, a youth corps member serving in Wannune recounted the chaos as the attack unfolded:
“Everyone is running into the bushes for safety. Please let Nigerians pray for us. The herdsmen are ravaging the environment now,” the corps member said in an SOS message, pleading for urgent intervention from security forces.
This latest assault comes in the wake of President Tinubu’s visit to Benue, during which he met with stakeholders and directed both the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to apprehend the perpetrators behind recent killings.
The President’s visit followed the tragic massacre in Yelewata, Guma LGA, where nearly 200 people were reportedly killed — a bloodbath that drew national outrage and intensified scrutiny on the federal government’s security response.
However, the attack on Wannune has cast doubt on the effectiveness of the President’s directives and raised fresh concerns about the ability of security agencies to respond promptly to threats in the region.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the presidential visit, describing it as a “political spectacle” rather than a genuine move to address the crisis.
“It’s commendable when a leader empathises with the people; offering a shoulder to lean on and sharing in their grief is a mark of true leadership. However, the visit was marred by political theatrics,” said Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe.
The renewed violence underscores the urgent need for a strategic and long-term approach to addressing the insecurity plaguing Benue and other parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Civil society groups and local leaders have reiterated calls for the federal government to implement concrete measures to safeguard lives and property and to tackle the root causes of the herder-farmer conflict.
As of press time, security forces were yet to issue an official statement regarding the Wannune attack. Residents continue to call for immediate protection and humanitarian support.
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