Yari: President Doesn’t Make Empty Threats, He’ll Go After the Killers of Benue Indigenes

•Condemns act, seeks whole-of-society cooperation against insecurity 

•Southern, Middle-Belt leaders demand immediate action

•SGF hails president, promises collaboration with stakeholders to restore peace  

•Obi mocks Tinubu’s visit, says it doesn’t reflect sense of mourning

•Malami cries out, says bandits massacre 200 persons in Tadurga, Zuru LGA 

•NSCDC boss directs upscale of intelligence gathering

•Archbishop declares day of prayer, tasks govt 

•Tinubu’s visit to Benue a ceremonial farce, states HURIWA

Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode, Olawale Ajimotokan, Sunday Aborisade, Folalumi Alaran in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure

The Senator representing Zamfara West and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources, Abdul-Aziz Yari, has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu would ensure those responsible for the recent killings in Yelewata, Benue State were brought to justice.

Reacting to the deadly attack that claimed over 200 lives in Benue State, Yari declared that it was not in the character of the president to make empty threats, even as he canvassed whole-of-society approach to fighting insecurity.

This was as the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has called  on the federal government to take immediate action to address the country’s security challenges and implement true federalism.

 At the same time, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has thanked Tinubu for his condolence visit to Benue State inspite of his tight schedules, promising collaboration with stakeholders to restore peace .

Speaking, too, former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has mocked Tinubu’s visit to Benue, saying it did not reflect a sense of mourning where over 200 lives were lost.

In a related development, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has raised the alarm over alleged killing of hundreds of persons in Tadurga Ward of Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State, describing it as “grievous and barbaric.”

Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has condemned the gruesome massacre of unarmed civilians and charged his operatives on the need to upscale and expand their Intelligence gathering network to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Similarly, the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has declared Sunday, June 22, 2025, at his Archdiocese, as a day of prayer for peace and protest against killings in Nigeria, particularly in Benue and Enugu states.

On its part, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has  criticised Tinubu’s visit to Benue State, describing it as a theatrical charade devoid of substance, empathy, or a genuine plan to end the bloodshed perpetrated by terrorists masquerading as herders.

Addressing the Benue massacre, a development he further described as devastating, Yari said the president has not only shown responsible and responsive leadership by identifying with the people of Benue and also visiting the state, the Wednesday “on-the-spot actions” that he took were marks of a hands-on leader.”

 According to the former governor of Zamfara State, “The president is capable of containing the situation and even if it means adopting totally extreme strategies to give every part of the nation peace, he would do it, because he was elected to secure the nation and the people and this much he understands.”

Yari further explained that, “His (Tinubu’s) decision to suspend everything he was doing and to also keep others on-hold are worthy of note. If we understood the responsibilities associated with the office of the president, we would see the empathy in his decision to personally visit Benue.

“He could have delegated a high-powered team to visit and stand in for him, while he’d go on with his other commitments. But he decided to show leadership and identify with the people, who showed him love through their votes and also believed in his person and leadership.

“I can assure the people of Benue and Nigeria in general that those behind this dastardly act will not get away with their mindlessness. Those in charge of security also know the implication of not living up to billing, so no one is kidding here.

“The criminals will be apprehended sooner than we all can ever imagine. The president doesn’t issue empty threat. He meant what he said and said what he meant. They will not get away with this, and whatever their motive was, we will also unravel soon. But, ultimately, this madness has to stop and it will stop.”

Yari, however, appealed to the people to also see the security of the society as their business and responsibility.

“Together, we can all confront this menace and decimate it. We need the whole-of-society approach to be able to defeat this monster and common enemy. This is the time we all must put on our intelligence garb.

“Everybody – every citizen – must become an intelligence officer for the sake of the sanity of the society. We all must pay attention to happenings around us and give timely and pivotal information to relevant authorities to be able to nip the menace in good time.”

He, therefore, commiserated with the people and government of Benue State; the families who lost their loved ones in the killings and as well prayed for those still recuperating in the various hospitals across the state, saying the Almighty Allah would perfect their healing.

Southern, Middle-Belt Leaders Demand Immediate Action on Rising Insecurity

The Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has called  on the federal government to take immediate action to address the country’s security challenges and implement true federalism.

The forum, in a communique issued after its emergency meeting, expressed concern over government’s failure to protect lives and property across the country, particularly in the Middle Belt region where Fulani terrorists and their foreign collaborators have been wreaking havoc on indigenous communities.

The communique signed by HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Afenifere), Dr. Bitrus Pogu (Middle Belt Forum), Senator John Azuta-Mbata (Ohanaeze Ndigbo World-Wide) Amb. Godknows Igali (PANDEF) called on the President and the National Assembly to rise to their constitutional responsibility and duty to protect life and property of Nigerians.

“The federal government of Nigeria and particularly the National Assembly must now accept their failure to provide the most fundamental security of life and property across the country whilst we witness the impunity of Fulani terrorists and their foreign collaborators wrecking genocidal attacks on indigenous communities across the nation and particularly in the Middle Belt region as happening currently in Benue state.

“That the Nigerian federation should ensure enhanced autonomy of the federating states such that each state shall have its own independent Police Command with complimentary Divisions at the Local Government and community levels.

“That all police officers from the rank of a Chief Superintendent and below should be deployed within their state of origin.”

Besides, the group condemned the planned National Forest Guards as an additional Federal Security structure in the states and demanded that all security institutions or formations apart from the armed forces, police, civil defence and the State Security Services should be part of the security architecture of the states.

“That SMBLF condemns the rituals of fire-brigade deployment of members of the armed forces to troubled areas spread across the country as ineffective and put unnecessary pressures on the military from its constitutional roles of defending the nations territorial integrity.

“That pending full-fledged restructuring towards true federalism, governments of the states of the federation should take immediate measures to provide security for their people in the nature of the Amotekun South West Security Network with the full compliments of weapons to face and deter insurgency and terrorism.

“That these security measures are considered more effective than the current unitary architecture in a Federation which renders Governors as Chief Security Officers of their states only in name.”

SGF Hails Tinubu, Seeks Collaboration with Stakeholders to Restore Peace in Benue

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has thanked President Bola Tinubu for his condolence visit to Benue State in spite of his tight schedules.

He also assured the president that he would work with all the key stakeholders to bring lasting peace in the state in line with the President’s directives.

In a statement yesterday by the Director Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the SGF applauded the president for his resolve to witness firsthand the incessant conflicts faced by residents of the state and to reaffirm the government’s dedication to resolve the ongoing conflicts.

The statement recalled that as part of efforts to find lasting solution to the killings in the State, the president directed the SGF to coordinate the formation of a committee of key stakeholders to fast track the process of restoring enduring peace in the affected parts of the State in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The committee will have as members former governors of the state, the Tor Tiv, Och’Idoma, the SGF and other key stakeholders who will meet with President Tinubu in Abuja to fashion out workable modality to end the killings.”

Akume added that achieving sustainable peace required a united effort.

He assured the president of his unwavering commitment to adhering to the tenets of his directive to work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders—local communities, civil society, security agencies, and traditional rulers, to develop and implement comprehensive strategies that address root causes, promote reconciliation, and foster long-term peace and stability in the State.

Obi Mocks Tinubu, Declares Visit to Benue, Does Not Reflect Sense of Mourning

Former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has mocked President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue State, saying it did not reflect a sense of mourning where over 200 lives were lost.

Obi, who took to his X account lamented that what happened with the visit was another political jamboree, explaining that there was nothing solemn about the visit

He described the visit as culture of impunity, saying, “Enough of this culture of impunity. We are not at war yet our nation is bleeding, and we are clapping. It is not only insensitive, it is dangerous.

‘’We pleaded that the president should show leadership and visit Benue and Niger States in the spirit of deep national mourning, to offer compassion and solidarity to families torn apart by the senseless massacre of over 200 innocent Nigerians in Benue State and flooding that killed similar number in Niger State.

“But what we saw in Benue visit was instead of a solemn, reflective visit, a display that would have been more befitting for the commissioning of reconstructed Enugu-Makurdi highway, a critical road connecting South and Northern Nigeria which had become impassable for years,’’ he stated.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party said, ‘’The President arrived not in mourning cloth but in celebratory agbada attire, like it was an occasion for joy.”

‘’Even more heartbreaking is the role of the State. Rather than being in mourning mood and weeping, declared a public holiday, not for reflection or prayer, but to organize fanfare.

“Schools were shut down. Children who should be mourning their slaughtered classmates, and parents were instead lined up under the rain, rehearsed to sing and dance for the President. In what kind of country does this happen? We have tragically arrived at a point where condolence visits have become carnivals.

“A time that should be marked by silence and solemnity is now polluted by banners, music, and rehearsed spectacles. Precious Nigerian lives have been lost, yet we’re clapping, singing, and organizing processions, as though this were a campaign rally.’’

Malami Cries Out, Says Bandits Massacred 200 People in Tadurga, Zuru LGA in Kebbi

A former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has alleged that bandits had killed nearly 200 persons in Tadurga Ward of Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State, describing the killings as “grievous and barbaric.”

Malami said the massacre “is a national catastrophe that demands swift and decisive action,” adding that Zuru and its surrounding Local Government Areas (LGAs) – Dankowasagu, Fakai and Sakaba “are in dire need of attention.”

THISDAY gathered that the bandits, numbering over 50, invaded the community on Monday night when people had retired to their various houses.

In a statement by his Media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami said, “The tragic loss of nearly 200 innocent lives is a painful scar on our collective conscience and a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive security and development across our communities.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, and we pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls. May Almighty Allah grant them Jannatul Firdaus and comfort those left behind with strength and healing.

“This attack is not just a tragedy for Zuru or Kebbi State; it is a national catastrophe that demands swift and decisive action. Zuru and its surrounding local governments—Dankowasagu, Fakai, Sakaba, and Zuru—are in dire need of attention.

“It is unacceptable that in 2025, these regions still suffer from lack of motorable roads, inadequate hospitals, poorly equipped schools, and a fragile security structure.

“We condemn this act of terror in the strongest terms and call on both the Kebbi State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately ramp up efforts to defend and protect our people.

“The primary responsibility of government is the security and welfare of its citizens, and that duty must not be neglected,” the statement stated

NSCDC Boss Directs Intelligence Upscale

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has condemned the gruesome massacre of unarmed civilians and charged his operatives on the need to upscale and expand their Intelligence gathering network to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

The CG made this statement during a scheduled visit to Benue for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation alongside other security chiefs.

He commiserated with the governor and people of Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, who lost their loved ones in the attack and assured them that the Corps was working closely with other security agencies to put a stop to the barbaric act.

He decried the mindless killing of armless women and children in the unfortunate incident that erupted recently, noting that there was no justification whatsoever for the gruesome murder of innocent citizens.

The NSCDC boss, therefore, gave a marching order to the Zonal Commander and the State Commandant to effectively deploy covert operatives, special forces and all tactical units to every nooks and crannies of the state while at the same time collaborating with other stakeholders to enhance a well coordinated operations for a renewed onslaught against the evil perpetrators.

“These killings must stop, and we must be very strategic, decisive, and resilient in our approach to restoration of peace and order in the State.

“All hands must be on deck. There must be maximum deployment of all special forces, counter terrorism unit, and intelligence operatives for both covert and overt operations.

“Just as Mr. President has directed, the perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to book, and we need to be on top of our game to make this happen,” the CG stated.

Archbishop Martins Declares Day of Prayer

The Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has declared Sunday, June 22, 2025, in his Archdiocese, as a Day of Prayer for Peace and protest against killings in Nigeria, particularly in Benue and Enugu states.

In a special circular, the Archbishop condemned the gruesome killings, describing it as “inhumane and completely barbaric.”

He expressed pain and outrage over the incident, which targeted vulnerable and unprotected people, including those who had been displaced from their homes.

“The conviction of being deliberately targeted is thick in the air and people need to be reassured that they are safe and secure irrespective of where they live within the borders of our country,” Archbishop Martins said.

The Prelate lent his voice to that of the Holy Father, and all well-meaning individuals and organisations, in calling on government and security agencies to take immediate action to secure the lives of citizens and bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice.

He emphasised that the lack of solution to the problems in Benue for many years was an indictment on the efficiency of the security system and the sincerity of the politicians.

“We thank our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for calling the attention of the world to the Benue massacre in particular as well as to the violence that is ongoing in other parts of our country.”

HURIWA: Tinubu’s Visit Ceremonial Farce

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, describing it as a theatrical charade devoid of substance, empathy, or a genuine plan to end the relentless bloodshed perpetrated by terrorists masquerading as herders.

In a statement released in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the visit was merely a photo opportunity aimed at pacifying public outrage, while the fundamental problems—military intelligence failures and compromised policing—remain unaddressed under Tinubu’s administration.

“President Tinubu’s visit to Benue was a state-sponsored insult to the memory of the dead and the pain of thousands of displaced families who continue to suffer from unchecked terror attacks.

“What Nigeria needs is not political optics but a concrete, intelligence-driven counter-terrorism strategy led by competent security leadership. Instead, we see a President more interested in grandstanding than saving lives,” he said.

HURIWA expressed grave concern over the repeated attacks on Benue communities without any proactive response from security forces.

“Where is the DSS? Where is military intelligence? How do armed Fulani terrorists continue to mobilise, strike, and disappear without resistance or consequence?” the group queried.

UNYF Demands Justice for Victims, Rejects Tinubu’s Visit, Seeks Security Chiefs’ Sack

The Unified Nigeria Youth Forum (UNYF), has demanded immediate justice for victims of the Yelewata massacre in Benue State, where over 200 lives were reportedly killed.

The group, in a press statement by its president, Comrade Toriah Olajide Filani, also called for a complete overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, describing President Tinubu’s condolence visit to the state as hollow and politically motivated.

UNYF condemned what it termed a bureaucratic routine and cosmetic response to a situation akin to civil warfare, noting that the president’s visit failed to address the enormity of the humanitarian crisis on the ground and lacked any tangible commitment to security or relief intervention.

Filani added that the killings in Benue have reportedly claimed over 360 lives and displaced more than 6,500 persons in the past month alone, a development the Forum said demanded a coordinated military response and political will, not ceremonial visits.

It insisted that Benue did not need presidential optics but decisive leadership and swift security interventions.