Nigeria’s Security Chiefs Arrive Benue After Deadly Night Raid
The Nigerian military and police have launched a joint, cross-border manhunt for the gunmen who killed an estimated 200 villagers in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Friday night, June 13, 2025.
The attack, one of the deadliest in the state in recent years, saw gunmen storm the community, torch homes, and open fire on residents, including internally displaced persons seeking refuge there.
On Monday, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun arrived in Makurdi and Yelewata to coordinate a tactical response and assess the level of devastation.
Military Vows New Strategy, Points to Insider Collaboration
Gen. Musa, speaking after a damage assessment, promised a change in strategy, citing possible insider collaboration. He stated:
“If you see the way some of the burnings were made, you know that they were targeted. It shows they have insiders.”
He emphasized the need for community support and trust-building to ensure a successful security operation.
He also acknowledged the porous borders between Benue and Nasarawa states, revealing plans to engage Nasarawa State officials to address the security gaps.
IG Egbetokun: Attacks Are Threat to Nigeria’s Sovereignty
Inspector-General Egbetokun, addressing journalists in Makurdi, described the killings as an attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty and promised increased deployment to Benue:
“The criminal elements and bandits might have operated here with impunity in the past but a day is fast approaching when they would come to attack but would never return.”
Egbetokun assured residents of federal backing and pledged closer coordination with other security agencies.
President Tinubu Cancels Kaduna Visit, Heads to Benue
In a significant move, President Bola Tinubu on Monday postponed his planned visit to Kaduna and will instead visit Benue on Wednesday, June 18.
“I sympathise with those who have lost their lives. I will adjust my programmes and see Benue people on Wednesday,” Tinubu said during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Supply project.
The visit will include a town hall with stakeholders traditional rulers, political, religious, and youth leaders to seek lasting peace.
Federal Government Deploys Troops, Orders Full-Scale Operation
Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, a former Benue State governor, announced the deployment of more troops and relief materials. He praised President Tinubu’s swift action, noting:
“This latest reprehensible act… is a deep wound to the soul of our nation.”
He also revealed that the President had already directed intelligence agencies and defence committees to move into Benue for coordinated operations.
Benue Governor, Alia: Attacks Are Externally Sponsored
Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a Channels TV interview, dismissed claims that the Federal Government had neglected the state, stating that recent progress in securing local governments was only possible through Tinubu’s support.
“Out of 23 local governments, 17 were under siege. We reduced it to nine, then six, and now just three,” Alia said.
He blamed external forces for fuelling the violence and called for community resilience.
Calls for Justice and Condemnation Pour In
Former Senate President David Mark warned the government that Benue residents may resort to self-defence if the killings persist:
“The situation may compel residents to resort to self-help… if the government continues to fail.”
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), and Christian Solidarity Worldwide – Nigeria also condemned the massacre, urging swift justice and a nationwide security overhaul.
The Nigeria Governors Forum, in a statement signed by Chairman AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, expressed solidarity and pledged support to Benue.
