Eric Patrick
The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has urged residents to resist taking the law into their own hands in response to the recent massacre in Yelewata, advocating instead for a structured, community-driven approach to security and intelligence gathering.
Speaking during an interview on AIT’s Kakaaki program, Governor Alia addressed the mounting anger and grief in the state following the deadly attack that claimed over 100 lives, with some reports estimating the toll to be closer to 200.
“Where you have people who just decide to rise up based on sentiments and emotions… I think we’re rendering ourselves more vulnerable,” the governor said, cautioning against retaliatory violence or armed self-defence.
“I wouldn’t advocate for self-defence,” he continued. “Instead, I urge us to focus on grassroots intelligence gathering and community policing.
“It’s only people from within the communities who truly understand their environment and can provide reliable information.”
The appeal comes in the wake of a brutal overnight attack on June 13, 2025, when suspected armed herdsmen stormed the communities of Yelewata and Daudu in Guma Local Government Area.
“The attackers reportedly opened fire indiscriminately and set homes ablaze, leaving a trail of destruction and death.
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Among the victims were many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who had previously fled violence and had sought refuge in Yelewata, believing it to be a safer location.
The massacre has triggered nationwide outrage, protests in Makurdi, and condemnation from both local and international observers.
Citizens continue to demand decisive action to end the persistent violence in Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket” for its agricultural productivity.
Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and security, calling on residents to remain calm and collaborate with authorities through lawful, community-based channels.