A wave of anger and despair is sweeping across Nigeria’s social media landscape as citizens demand the Federal Government declare a state of emergency in Benue State following the brutal killing of an estimated 200 people in a two-day assault by suspected herders in Guma Local Government Area.
The coordinated attacks on Yelewata and Daudu communities, which left among the dead women, children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and five security personnel, have sparked national outrage.
Gruesome reports detail how entire families were slaughtered and burned alive, with community leaders describing the scene as “beyond imagination.”
Videos and testimonies circulating on social platforms have galvanized a public call for decisive federal intervention, with hashtags like #BenueMassacre, #StateOfEmergencyNow, and #JusticeForBenue trending across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Prominent Nigerians including journalists, lawyers, and civil society groups are urging President Bola Tinubu to invoke constitutional powers to declare a state of emergency, deploy more military presence, and ensure justice for the victims.
In a press briefing, Matthew Mnyan, a community leader and former SUBEB chairman, described the attack as a “planned and well-organized execution” by terrorists aiming to seize land and terrorize indigenous populations.
Survivors recount that the attackers, some numbering over 300, launched assaults from multiple fronts, targeting IDP shelters and market stalls where families had sought refuge.
Despite prior intelligence of potential attacks, locals say there was little preventive action taken. “We had warned of an impending invasion,” said Mnyan. “This bloodshed was avoidable.”
While security agencies have confirmed the attacks and casualties, exact figures remain unclear. The Benue Police Command acknowledged the deaths but withheld the total toll. Military sources confirmed the loss of two personnel, and additional victims are still being recovered from burned homes and markets.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu reacted to the incident and said; “I have been briefed on the senseless bloodletting in Benue State.
“Enough is enough! I have directed the security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them.
“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.
“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue.
“Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”
