A security expert, Seyi Babaeko, has called for urgent intervention to check the escalating crisis in Benue.
Mr Babaeko made the call in an interview on Tuesday. He urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue if the killings continues.
“Tinubu’s order deploying security chiefs and tasking Governor Hyacinth Alia with convening reconciliation efforts in Benue are welcome, commendable, and long overdue.
”Recent events in the state have reached a crisis point. They deserve the declaration of a state of emergency should the carnage continue. This is no longer sporadic violence but a humanitarian calamity in need of urgent intervention.
”Benue, often called the nation’s food basket, has endured repeated devastation; farmers are unable to cultivate land, markets are destroyed, and entire communities remain displaced. No fewer than 100 people were killed in Yelewata, Guma LGA, on the night of June 13 to 14,” the security expert said.
”Amnesty International reports that many victims were trapped and burned inside their homes, while hundreds more were injured without access to adequate medical care,” he added.
Mr Babaeko recounted that earlier in June, coordinated attacks in Gwer West and Apa LGAs claimed no fewer than 20 lives.
”These incidents remind us that the violence in Benue continues without meaningful intervention,” he said.
According to Mr Babaeko, over the past year alone, Amnesty International documented more than 2,800 deaths and 235 violent incidents across over 50 communities, with 12,369 people displaced.
He highlighted that between 2020 and 2024, Nextier’s database on violent conflicts recorded 2,347 casualties in 359 incidents involving farmers and herders across Nigeria.
“The North-Central zone, where Benue is located, accounted for more than 89 per cent of these deaths. Since 2001, it is estimated that more than 60,000 Nigerians have been killed in violence between herders and farmers.
“These numbers are more than statistics; they reflect shattered homes, abandoned farms, and a mounting humanitarian crisis. The Food and Agriculture Organisation projects that over 33 million Nigerians will face food insecurity between June and August 2025 as a result of insecurity disrupting agricultural production,
”States like Benue, where farming has been significantly disrupted, will be hardest hit,” said the security expert.
Mr Babaeko urged the president to take decisive federal action to tackle the crisis.
“Federal security forces should operate with transparency, accountability, and a clear mandate to protect civilians. Citizens must see and feel a return to order.
“Community-based early warning systems should be activated across vulnerable regions, supported by responsive and mobile security units to prevent future attacks.
“The reconciliation process led by the governor must be strengthened with federal support, including neutral mediation teams that can guide dialogue toward concrete outcomes.
“Immediate humanitarian intervention must be deployed to meet the needs of displaced populations. This includes shelter, food relief, clean water, and healthcare services. The federal response must be seen as impartial and consistent. A sincere and holistic political solution can bring lasting peace,’’ Mr Babaeko pointed out.
According to him, it is time for the president to make his declaration, “Enough is enough,” a reality in the lives of Benue people.
“President Tinubu’s words must now be judged by lives protected, farms restored, and communities healed,” he said.
