Outrage Grows as Benue Faces Mass Killings Without Federal Intervention
As Nigeria prepares to commemorate Democracy Day, a wave of outrage has erupted across the nation following reports of over 200 people killed in Benue State by suspected herders. This tragic event has reignited conversations about security, government priorities, and the inconsistent application of emergency powers.
Public Outcry Over Government Silence
The killings, which reportedly occurred over two days in Guma Local Government Area, have triggered widespread anger, particularly on social media. Although official reports confirmed 45 deaths, local leaders insist the death toll is over 200, including entire families and security officers burned alive. Despite the gravity of the incident, President Bola Tinubu and his administration remained silent for days, prompting Nigerians to draw harsh comparisons.
Social Media Calls for Justice and Action
Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) expressed disbelief over the federal government’s response. Many compared the massacre in Benue to the swift declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State over a political dispute involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara – a crisis that reportedly claimed no lives.
Activist Rinu Oduala tweeted, “Zero deaths in Rivers State – State of emergency. 200+ Nigerians brutally killed in Benue – No state of emergency. Tinubu, please resign.”
Another user, @Soulmedika, wrote, “Israel and Iran at war don’t even have this number of casualties. But the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers when infrastructures were targeted, and ignored mass killings in Benue.”
Tinubu Responds With Reconciliation Plea
Eventually, President Tinubu issued a statement expressing concern over the killings. He urged Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia to unite political and community leaders to initiate peace talks and reconciliation efforts.
“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue,” Tinubu said.
However, critics dismissed the response as weak. A Facebook user, Diliba Shalom, commented in pidgin, “When it was Wike and Fubara, he declared a state of emergency. Now for Benue, e dey talk reconciliation.”
Ongoing Criticism and Demand for Accountability
Citizens continue to demand a firmer stance from the Federal Government, including the declaration of a state of emergency in Benue and immediate deployment of military forces to restore peace.
As tensions rise, Nigerians remain united in grief and anger, calling on the government to place human lives above political interests.
Original source: ⅘Punch Newspapers