Benue State has once again been thrown into mourning, following a fresh wave of attacks over the weekend that left hundreds dead. What should have been an ordinary weekend turned tragic, as residents were forced to flee for safety amid violent attacks reportedly carried out by suspected herders. By Sunday morning, the death toll had reportedly crossed 200, with many more still unaccounted for.
The incident has sparked outrage across social media, with many Nigerians demanding urgent action and questioning the silence from the Federal Government. A growing number of voices have also drawn comparisons to the swift response in Rivers State, where a political dispute recently led to the declaration of a state of emergency and the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. In contrast, the situation in Benue, despite the scale of loss, has been met with what many describe as a disturbingly slow response.
Human rights activist Rinu Oduala wrote on X:
“Zero deaths in Rivers state, State of emergency.
200+ Nigerians brutally killed in Benue, No state of emergency
Tinubu, please resign. The evil you have done is enough.”
Another user, Dr. Mohr, expressed similar frustration:
“Over 200 Nigerians were killed in Benue, no state of emergency has been declared — not even a word from the presidency after 48 hours. But a small dispute between Wike and his boy led to an immediate state of emergency. We can’t make reconciliation with terrorists and see peace!”
Also on X, Alphabet added:
“Over 200 Nigerians were massacred in Benue, and no state of emergency has been declared. The presidency hasn’t even addressed the incident 48 hours later. But a minor misunderstanding occurred between a boy and his Oga in Ph, and a state of emergency was declared. Na country be this?”
In response to the nationwide criticism, President Bola Tinubu took to X on Sunday, stating:
“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.”
As online debates continue, some residents of Benue have taken their frustrations to the streets, staging protests to mourn the lives lost and demand government intervention. As of Monday afternoon, reports emerged of increased military and police presence in the state capital and surrounding areas. Security operatives, speaking under anonymity, confirmed that they have received the full backing of the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, including logistical support to restore calm and protect lives. Despite these developments, the central question remains: “Where is the state of Emergency and heavy-handed response when we need it?”
