TheNewsGuru

Tag: Benue Killings

  • Why I solicited for donations over Benue killings – BBNaija Star, Kiddwaya opens up

    Why I solicited for donations over Benue killings – BBNaija Star, Kiddwaya opens up

    KiddWaya, a Nigerian reality star, whose real name is Terseer Waya, has responded to the backlash he received after appealing for monetary support for victims of the Yelewata tragedy in Benue State.

    The reality star had, via the social media platform X, called upon Nigerians to contribute to a fundraiser organised by his Kiddwaya Foundation to provide aid for those who lost their families and properties during the recent upheaval in Benue state.

    But the appeal was met with heavy criticism, with many social media users accusing the Nigerian reality star, who is renowned for flaunting wealth and luxury across his various social media accounts, of hypocrisy.

    Reacting in a statement posted on his social media pages on Thursday, Kiddwaya said his intention was genuine and not an attempt to gain attention.

    “I’ve seen the comments. I hear the backlash. I didn’t post about Benue for clout, I posted because I genuinely care. I am a Benue indigene and a proud Benue man,” he wrote.

    “What’s happening there breaks my heart, and I couldn’t just look away. I took the donation post down because I saw the pain and misunderstanding it caused, not because I’m ashamed of helping, but because I respect your voices, even the angry ones,” he added.

    The reality star said the killings in Benue remain the real tragedy.

    “Right now, people in Benue are being attacked. Families are being torn apart. Lives are being lost,” he said.

    “The Kiddwaya Foundation was built for moments like this, to step in where help is needed most. I will not stop caring. I will not stop showing up when lives are on the line. Even if it’s not on social media. Even if it’s misunderstood,” he added.

  • Pope Leo reacts to Herdmen killings in Benue state

    Pope Leo reacts to Herdmen killings in Benue state

    Pope Leo XIV  has joined voices worldwide to mourn the victims of the brutal massacre in Benue State, where over 200 people were reportedly killed during a night attack on the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area.

    The pontiff, during during his Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, expressed deep sorrow over what he described as a “terrible massacre”, offering prayers for the victims and calling for peace, security, and justice in Nigeria.

    Pope Leo noted that many of the victims were internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had sought refuge at a local Catholic mission before the attackers struck late Friday night.

    Pope said, “I am praying for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria.”

    “In a special way, I am thinking of the rural Christian communities of Benue State, who have been relentless victims of violence.”

  • Peter Obi reveals those to blame for killings in Benue

    Peter Obi reveals those to blame for killings in Benue

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has claimed that the recent mass killings in Benue State is a direct consequence of leadership failure in Nigeria.

    Obi made this known in a post on X on Sunday, where expressed heartbreak over the attacks, which claimed the lives of women, children, soldiers, and displaced persons.

    The former Anambra governor further called for an urgent national response, warning against the growing normalisation of mass killings in the country.

    He said, “My heart is heavy as I learn of yet another horrific series of killings in Benue of women, children, soldiers, and displaced persons, all senselessly slain.

    “This tragedy has become too common in our national life, and the Benue situation now calls for a national emergency.

    According to Obi, the scale of the killings goes beyond isolated violence and reflects systemic governance failure.

    “Over 200 lives have reportedly been extinguished in a single onslaught, homes burnt, families shattered, communities left in ruin. This is not merely violence.

    “It is a failure of leadership, a stain on our collective conscience,” Obi stated.

    He lamented the continued inability of governments at all levels to perform their primary duty of securing lives and property, saying each loss of life is a deep wound to the nation.

  • This is not just unacceptable – Peter Obi decries continuous killings in Benue

    This is not just unacceptable – Peter Obi decries continuous killings in Benue

    The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in 2023 general  elections, Peter Obi, has continued to bemoan the continuous killings in Benue, Plateau and other parts of the country.

    The former Anambra governor via his X handle on Wednesday,urged the federal government to prioritise the security and survival of the people.

    Obi who extended his condolences to the people of Benue over the recent killings in the state, asserted that the government must be compassionate.

    He also commended the recent move by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oloyede, to relocate along with Principal Staff Officers to Benue State.

    Obi noted that this decision signals a welcome shift toward prioritising the security of a region that has endured far too much bloodshed.

    He said, “Following my earlier remarks on the security situation in Benue State on May 28th, 2025, I would like to once again extend my heartfelt condolences to the good people of Benue State over the tragic and senseless killings that continue to plague their communities.

    “The pain, anguish, and sorrow being experienced across Benue are not only heartbreaking but also a grave indictment of a nation that is repeatedly failing its own people. Just a few days ago, I commented about the growing wave of violence and bloodshed across our country, particularly in Benue, Kogi, and Plateau States. Sadly, those fears have once again become our tragic reality, as communities are attacked and innocent lives are lost. This is not just unacceptable, it is intolerable.

    “I commend the recent move by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oloyede, to relocate along with Principal Staff Officers to Benue State. This decision signals a welcome shift toward prioritising the security of a region that has endured far too much bloodshed.

    “I earnestly pray that this action brings lasting change for the good and resilient people of Benue, who deserve not only protection but also meaningful justice, and the freedom to live, farm, and work in peace without fear.

    “The blood of innocent Nigerians cries out for justice. The security and survival of our people must be the foremost responsibility of any government that claims to be responsible and compassionate.

    “My heart is with every grieving family in Benue and across Nigeria. I stand with you, not just in words, but in the call for urgent, deliberate, and comprehensive action.

    “A safe Nigeria is POssible.”

  • Benue killings: One word from Buhari to killer herdsmen will go a long way – Deputy Governor

    Benue killings: One word from Buhari to killer herdsmen will go a long way – Deputy Governor

    The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Benson Abounu has said one word from President Muhammadu to killer herders will go a long way in ending incessant killings.

    According to him, some drastic steps need to be taken to put an end to killings by some herders, and Fulani leaders need to speak up against the attacks by herders on communities.

    The deputy governor said this on Tuesday during a monitored programme on Channels Television

    “One very simple but effective response is that – a word from the President of this country condemning what is going on and asking the Fulanis to stop these terrible actions of theirs. I believe this will go a very long way,” he said.

    The deputy governor added that he has made this suggestion at many meetings including the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) meeting, northern governors’ forum, and National Economic Council (NEC) meeting.

    He explained further that he has reached out to the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Abubakar and Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Aliyu, on the need to address the situation.

    “I have also put a solemn request to the Sultan of Sokoto, and even to Lamido of Adamawa, who is the worldwide leader of the Fulani, that we need to hear from them. Fulani needs to hear from them, their own leaders condemning what they are doing and asking them to put a stop to it,” he said.

    He also expressed confidence that this approach will solve the security situation adding that, “It is a very simple thing but I believe it will be an effective one. We are yet to hear that, the Fulani are yet to hear that.”

    Abounu lamented that the body language of Fulani leaders has contributed to the atrocities committed by herders in Nigeria.

    “The body language of the leaders of Fulani in our society today is a very serious issue to be addressed,” he said.

    His concerns of Abounu come on the heels of a string of fatal attacks on Benue communities. No fewer than 42 persons were reported killed in separate attacks in two local councils of Benue State in May 28.

    The attacks took place in Katsina-Ala and Gwer West local councils of the state, leaving residents of the communities in despair and some others seeking refuge at IDP camps.

    The deputy governor said Nigeria’s security situation has gotten worse and he needs to address the country, rather than issue press statements through media aides.

    “Garba Shehu is not the President of the country, he is only an appointee. I think we have reached the stage when the President needs to come out and address this country,” the Benue Deputy governor said.

  • Benue Killings: Presidency frowns at Ortom’s unfounded accusations against President Buhari

    Benue Killings: Presidency frowns at Ortom’s unfounded accusations against President Buhari

    The Presidency has expressed disappointment and sadness over accusations being levelled against President Muhammadu Buhari by Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue following recent killings of soldiers and innocent citizens in the state.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, stated this in a statement in Abuja.

    According to him, no responsible government takes pleasure in such events as the killing of the military and that of innocent citizens taking refuge in an Internally Displaced People’s camp.

    Shehu said the president said he was deeply pained by the terrible acts of violence happening not only in Benue but also in other parts of the country.

    He again directed members of the law enforcement agencies to go to every possible extent to catch the perpetrators of these heinous acts and bring them to justice.

    The presidential aide said: ”The lives of fellow citizens should not be desecrated by deploying them in political diatribe which unfortunately appeared to be the intent of the string of emotional attacks and blame laid at the doors of the President for those killings by Gov. Ortom.

    ”President Buhari took an oath to defend the life and property of every citizen, a duty he takes seriously and is committed to ensuring.

    ”Those citizens regardless of their affiliations, who either incite, sponsor or are proven to be abettors of these atrocities will face the law squarely and be answerable for their crimes against our fellow citizens and nation.

    ”President Buhari continuously stresses that the strength of our country lies in our diversity in faith, culture, and traditions and attempts to sharpen the divide between northern and southern Nigeria, between Muslims and Christians, and between communities that have coexisted for centuries should be frowned upon and resisted.

    ”As Nigerians, we accuse colonial rulers of the policy of divide and rule. Today, it is our own leaders who put region against region, religion against religion, ethnic group against ethnic group and community against community.

    ”The future of Benue and indeed that of the entire country lies in harmony and the respect for law, order, and the constitution.

    ”It is the only way to achieve progress and development.”

    Shehu reassured that the president would continue to keep security, police and the armed forces on their toes to be on top of their act in troubled parts of the country.

    He, however, stated that the situation in the states would greatly be helped by everyone working together ”because that is the foundation on which progress and prosperity can be achieved.”

    He, therefore, stressed the need for the Ortom administration to cooperate with the Federal Government in the implementation of a number of national strategies and programmes aimed at addressing underlying issues militating against peace, progress and development.

    ”This can still get done when the interest of the people is placed above all other interests.

    A government voted into office by the people, should treat the people as its masters and not as its servants,” he added.

    Shehu quoted the president as expressing his condolences to the families of those citizens who lost their loved ones in the recent spate of killings in Benue.

    He said the president condemned the rising levels of incidents, especially the killings and violence in various parts of the country, and called for further collaboration with security agencies to curb its recurrence.

  • Benue killings: Miyetti Allah apologises to Ortom

    Benue killings: Miyetti Allah apologises to Ortom

    The Fulani socio-cultural organization, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has apologized to Governor Samuel Ortom, over herdsmen attacks and killings in the state.

    National Secretary of the association, Engr. Saleh Alhassan, who spoke today in Makurdi during a peace initiative brokered by the Chairman of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyeama, expressed regrets over the killings and pledged to ensure peaceful coexistence between herdsmen and farmers in the state.

    He described Governor Ortom as a peace-loving man who stood firmly for the emancipation of his people. He said members of the group would embrace the peace initiatives put forward by the Governor.

    Responding, Governor Ortom said the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law by Benue State Government was to end the killing of innocent people and encourage ranching as the global best practice of animal husbandry.

    He stated that any person or ethnic group wishing to rear livestock in the state was free to come, acquire land and ranch according to provisions of the ranching law of the state.

    The Governor noted that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law protects both farmers and livestock owners, adding that legislation was not meant to promote crisis of any kind.

    Chief Onyeama had earlier emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in Benue State, saying he personally brought Alhaji Saleh to broker peace between Miyetti Allah groups and the people of the state.

  • Benue killings: Seek foreign intervention before its too late – Soyinka tells Buhari

    Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has advised the Federal Government to solicit the support of the international community to combat insecurity in the country.

    Soyinka spoke yesterday in Makurdi. He was in the Benue State capital for the 35th anniversary of Senator Suemo Chia’s novel, Adan Wade Kohol Ga, written in Tiv.

    He said: “If the government cannot cope, it should not shy away from asking for international help”, adding: “people are dying, this government cannot cope, please just ask for international help and I know they’re ready and willing to come to our aid.”

    Soyinka said: “Instead of treating the country of its cancerous disease rather, it is ringworm that is being treated.

    “The killings that are taking place in Benue and other states are targeted at ethnic cleansing and there is no any other word to describe it than that,” he said.

    Soyinka said that instead of hunting animals for food, the killer herdsmen hunted for human beings, adding that the act was barbaric.

    He said some people wanted to change the narrative that the killer herdsmen were Libyans, querying “who brought them, who kept them and who funds them?’’

    The renowned writer noted that herdsmen “kill and occupy people’s communities which clearly reveal their actual motive’’.

    He urged the Federal Government to give marching orders to the herdsmen that were occupying communities that were not theirs to vacate them in 48 hours.

    “We have to come together to probe the ugly situation so that the impunity which is going on in the country for long will stop.

    “If the President had visited any community where lives were lost due to the killings perpetrated by the armed herdsmen and give warnings, the killings would have stopped since,” he said.

    According to Soyinka, the killings are sponsored by desperate politicians because of their selfish motives, and the killings are not sporadic but well-coordinated and the people behind the killings should be identified for prosecution.

    He said that the phenomenon was not new because it happened in Rwanda and other crisis-ridden countries, “so Nigerians ought to have learnt from Rwanda to avoid the situation turning to an epidemic’’.

    Ortom thanked the Nobel laureate for the solidarity visitadding that he had told the world what the state was going through, particularly its security challenges.

    “What is happening to us is not a hidden agenda because the herdsmen, through Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, had said at several fora that they want to take over the Benue valley.

    “The attacks are also the continuation of the jihad which was truncated by the Benue people in 1804,” Ortom said.

    He said he had all evidence to buttress what he was saying and that armed herdsmen were perpetrating the heinous acts with impunity.

    The governor deplored the latest case of the killing of people who attended the mass burial of the two priests and 17 other parishioners, by herdsmen on Tuesday while returning home.

    The burial took place at the Se Sugh Maria Pilgrimage Centre, Ayati, Gwer Local Government Area of the state.

    “We will continue to demand for justice and believe that security agencies will live up to their responsibility by nipping the killings in the bud,” Ortom said.