Benue Tragedy: Sultan of Sokoto Declares ‘No More Senseless Killings’

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has strongly condemned the ongoing bloodshed in Benue State, declaring that such brutality must no longer be accepted.

The Sultan emphasized that these violent attacks, no matter the ethnic background, religion, or political affiliation of those involved, have no place in a united Nigeria and must be universally denounced.

Since June 14, more than 300 lives have been lost following violent attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Expressing his concern, the Sultan rebuked the nation’s security agencies for failing to proactively prevent the escalating violence.

This sentiment was relayed through a statement issued by Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, Secretary-General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), titled “Time to Rise Beyond Lamentations as Benue Bleeds Again.”

The statement reads:
“We say it clearly—enough is enough. The prolonged silence or perceived apathy from the public and leadership may only encourage those who seek to divide and destabilize our beloved country.

JNI also prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved families and a restoration of lasting peace and security in Benue and the rest of the nation.

“In this time of mourning with the people of Benue, we call for a moment of serious national introspection. We must discard divisive ideologies and unite under one cause—to end the unwarranted loss of innocent lives in any form or place.

“We reaffirm that human life is sacred. Every Nigerian must recognize this principle and act to preserve it.”

JNI concluded by expressing deep sympathy to both the government and citizens of Benue State, describing the attacks as an unimaginable horror that no civilized society should ever accept as normal.