The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has issued a demolition order for a parish building of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the Somolu area after it sustained structural damage from a neighboring building collapse. According to Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) reports, several church members narrowly avoided tragedy when the adjoining construction site gave way on Monday. Worshippers were inside the church building when the incident occurred but escaped unharmed. During a follow-up visit to the site on Tuesday, LASBCA officials not only reinforced the demolition directive but also ordered the immediate evacuation of occupants from the damaged building. A notice affixed to the church wall confirmed that the structure had developed severe defects due to the impact of the fallen building. A third notice served by LASBCA demanded the building’s demolition within seven days. The official statement read: “Please refer to the contravention notice with Ref. LASBCA /SML/25/PCA/CN/091 dated June 16, 2025, served on the structure above address. This office has observed that you have not complied with the instruction contained in the notice. Notice is hereby given that if the said infraction is not removed within seven days from the date of this notice, the said infraction/unauthorised or distressed building shall be demolished and the cost of such demolition recovered from you.” In an interview with LMSINT MEDIA Metro, Parish Pastor Daniel Ojo expressed deep concern about how the demolition would disrupt the church’s ongoing activities. He also revealed that there had been previous worries regarding the speed and quality of the neighboring construction project. “We can no longer have services here. We were supposed to have a service today, but we can’t meet,” Pastor Ojo said. “There was a bungalow, and some of our members were there. They had to relocate because someone bought it and pulled it down. Within a few days, excavation began, and before long, a new building emerged. Without being an engineer, we were already questioning how fast the work was progressing.” Ojo added that finding a temporary venue for worship would be extremely difficult due to the industrial nature of the Somolu area. “Getting a location or an event hall for services temporarily is very difficult because Somolu is an industrial area. Also, if we move far away from here, we will lose our members. This is a family church.” A nearby trader, who requested anonymity, shared with LMSINT MEDIA Metro how the construction workers narrowly avoided death. According to her, the laborers managed to flee just as the building began to fall. “The construction workers escaped death because none of them was at the bottom of the building. They were all at the top, and when the building collapsed, they all fled for survival.” When contacted, a person identified as Adekomi Adeniyi, whose contact appeared on the official demolition notice, verified that the notice was indeed issued by LASBCA. However, he did not reveal his official role. “After we cleared the rubble of the collapsed building, we checked if it had affected the church building, which is why we issued the notice,” Adeniyi said.
Makurdi – As President Bola Tinubu arrives in Benue State today, survivors of last Friday’s savage assault in Yelewata (Guma LGA) are sharing chilling accounts of armed herdsmen targeting villagers—primarily women and children—with over 200 confirmed dead. Homes were torched and entire families wiped out. Governor Hyacinth Alia has dismissed calls for vigilantism, promoting instead a strengthened community policing model. Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa advocated for civilian joint task forces, akin to those in Borno, and the UN called for accountability. Personal Testimonies Michael Ajah: “I lost 20 relatives” Ajah mourned the loss of 20 family members and his entire stock and home. He recalled gunmen invading during heavy rain at about 10:20 pm. “They were Fulani men; I heard them speak,” he said. He escaped with only the garments on his back—all else, including family and property, was destroyed. Bature Bartholomew: “Livelihoods destroyed” Bartholomew lost his brother, sister-in-law, mother, and millions of naira worth of grains—maize, guinea corn, soya, rice—when attackers burned down his storage and home. Joseph Kwagh: “Eight family members killed” Kwagh watched as gunshots erupted during a storm. Amid confusion, his stepmother, father, and six siblings fled across the expressway but were later found among the burned bodies. He also lost all his farming supplies and fears he might never return to cultivate land. Kwagh noted recurrent tensions—cattle trampling crops go inadequately compensated, and communities are impoverished. Efforts to reclaim farmland were met with threats. “Yelewata was massacred unprovoked; we can’t farm in peace,” he said. Official and Security Responses Governor Alia urged citizens to reject self-defense, stating emotion-driven actions can heighten insecurity. Instead, he championed community policing, arguing local knowledge is crucial in protection. Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa met traditional leaders, pledging enhanced military-community partnerships. He acknowledged possible insider collaboration and announced a cross-border manhunt led by military and police forces. Additional security support: Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun toured the site; SGF George Akume arrived in Yelewata; and calls have intensified to enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Law. Legislative and Civil Society Reactions Benue’s House of Assembly members accused the state of failing its people and urged enforcement of anti-grazing laws. Many called for the eviction of Fulani herders and declared a three-day state mourning (June 18–20, 2025). Former VP Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark have demanded urgent justice. Labour Party’s Peter Obi praised Tinubu’s visit but urged similar prompt responses in flood-affected Niger State. International Condemnation UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the assault and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice, pledging close monitoring of developments. Broader Context Benue, known as Nigeria’s “food basket,” continues to grapple with deadly herder-farmer conflicts rooted in land, grazing, and ethnic tensions. Previous mass killings in the state reinforce the need for structural security reforms. Mokwa vs. Mthatha: The Call for Responsive Leadership Combined, the trip from Abuja to Mokwa and back totals about 1,134 kilometers, which is still significantly shorter than the 1,870 km round trip recently undertaken by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, who traveled from Pretoria to Mthatha to personally console flood victims. In contrast, less than 100 lives were lost in the South African flood disaster, while over 200 Nigerians perished in Mokwa, and more than 1,000 are still unaccounted for. “If President Ramaphosa could personally respond to a crisis of that scale,” one local leader said, “we believe our President can do the same for Nigerians.” A visit to Mokwa, they argued, would underscore a strong message: that every Nigerian life counts, no matter how rural the community. Citizens also called for increased national security, particularly in high-risk and disaster-prone zones. The appeal closed with a powerful sentiment: “We don’t want leadership from a distance. What we need is proactive leadership—the kind that shows empathy through action. A new Nigeria is not only necessary—it is possible.” PFN to Tinubu: “Act Decisively or Risk National Collapse” The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has added its voice to growing calls for urgent federal intervention in Benue, Plateau, and other regions plagued by escalating violence and kidnappings. In a strongly worded statement, PFN President Bishop Francis Wale Oke described the Benue situation as a national emergency, demanding bold and immediate governmental action. “We urge the federal government to reclaim territories overrun by terrorists and restore them to their rightful indigenous owners,” Bishop Oke stated. He emphasized the trauma and displacement caused by ongoing attacks, warning that the fabric of society is unraveling in states like Benue. Failed Security Architecture Bishop Oke didn’t mince words about the state’s failure: “The current security system has completely failed. What’s happening isn’t a communal clash—it’s an invasion by illegally armed militias aimed at displacing indigenous communities.” He was especially outraged by repeated attacks on IDP camps, calling them “heinous crimes” against the most vulnerable. He argued Benue deserves a state of emergency declaration and stronger federal commitment. Although he acknowledged President Tinubu’s directive to deploy special security forces, the PFN insists such measures are belated and inadequate given the scale of devastation. “We need more than condolence visits. This is not a localized conflict—it’s a campaign of displacement and terror,” he warned. The PFN also extended its concerns to Plateau, Taraba, and other embattled states, urging the federal government to assert control, restore peace, and protect lives. Senate: “We Are Tired of Mourning—It’s Time to Act” The Nigerian Senate joined the chorus of concern yesterday, urging the federal government to halt the relentless bloodshed that continues to plague communities across the country. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chair of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, emphasized the need for urgent action: “We’ve done enough condolence visits—from Plateau to Benue. Now, it’s time to act. Security starts locally, and traditional rulers must be part of the solution.” He confirmed that President Tinubu’s visit to Benue marks a renewed commitment from both the executive and legislative branches to confront insecurity head-on. National Security
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In a strategic move to strengthen security in Nigeria’s North-Central region, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reinforced its aerial operations by deploying more aircraft under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS). This operation is a collaborative military campaign aimed at curbing insecurity across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States. The development was disclosed following a high-level security summit held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Tactical Air Command headquarters in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. Details of the meeting were shared via the official X (formerly Twitter) page of the Nigerian Air Force. Among the senior officers in attendance were Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira representing the Chief of Naval Staff, and several other top military figures. Following a ground assessment of ongoing military operations, Air Marshal Abubakar revealed that the newly introduced aircraft were already yielding significant results on the battlefield. He explained that the aircraft have expanded the military’s operational capabilities, offering real-time surveillance, tactical air support, and precision-targeted strikes, which have successfully neutralized militia hideouts and criminal encampments. He reiterated that this reinforcement is aligned with the Federal Government’s agenda to restore peace and security to the Middle Belt region and ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens. “As long as peace is under threat, our commitment will not waver,” Air Marshal Abubakar affirmed. During the joint press engagement, all participating Service Chiefs emphasized the critical need for inter-agency cooperation in addressing the current wave of insecurity. They collectively acknowledged that improved synergy among the Armed Forces has been instrumental in achieving recent military gains in the affected states. The military leadership further reassured the local population that the intensified efforts were part of a broader strategic mission aimed at allowing communities to “live and work in safety and without fear.” This renewed military offensive comes amid prolonged violence in Benue State, where incidents involving banditry, armed militias, and communal unrest have left over 200 people dead, triggering calls for lasting peace and protection.
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Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has stated that the commonly used term “farmers-herders clash” is misleading. According to him, the real situation involves animals encroaching on farms, not an actual conflict between the two groups. While speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the Defence Chief explained that the persistent violence in Benue State and similar regions stems from three core issues, rather than the supposed clash. He identified the first cause as land ownership disputes, especially involving indigenes and non-indigenes, which he described as a political problem requiring political solutions. The second issue, according to General Musa, is the movement of livestock. He stressed that using the term “clash” implies two active parties, but in reality, the conflict starts when livestock enters farmland, leading to destruction. “A farm is static,” he said, “and when an animal enters it, it’s not a clash—it’s intrusion.” He argued that if animals stop roaming, most of the current violence would disappear. Thus, he urged the government to intervene by regulating animal movement to reduce these incidents. The third concern is animal rustling. General Musa explained that roaming livestock are more prone to being stolen, which further escalates violence in affected communities. Controlling rustling and restricting movement, he said, could significantly reduce the crisis. “Many of these issues are beyond military intervention. They require political will and comprehensive governance,” he added. The Defence Chief emphasized that the military’s role is limited to protecting people from attacks, but lasting peace can only be achieved through political engagement and land policy reforms. Meanwhile, LMSINT MEDIA reports that more than 200 individuals were burned alive during a recent herdsmen attack in Yelwata, a village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The tragedy has sparked widespread condemnation across Nigeria and international communities.
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Leaders from Benue State residing abroad have denounced a recent statement issued by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy. The statement had described the mass killings in Benue as “reprisal attacks” linked to farmer-herder disputes. In a compelling open letter to President Tinubu, the leaders denounced what they called a dangerous mischaracterization of the crisis. According to them, the violent attacks across Benue State reflect a pattern of ethnic cleansing and genocide, not communal conflict. The letter was jointly authored by Professor Akaa D. Ayangeakaa, President of the Mutual Union of Tiv in America (MUTA), and Chief Edwin Ochai, President of the Idoma Association USA. The letter provides a grim timeline of deadly attacks, notably the May killings in Gbagir (Ukum LGA) where over 70 lives were lost, and the June 14 Yelewata massacre in Guma LGA, where more than 200 people were reportedly murdered. The diaspora leaders expressed anger over what they perceive as federal neglect. They noted the absence of arrests, federal government presence, or tangible interventions, despite continuous bloodshed. The statement emphasized that what is occurring in Benue cannot be seen as a mutual conflict but is rather a systematic campaign of terror targeting native communities. Part of the Letter Reads: “In recent months, Benue towns and villages have come under deliberate, merciless assault. The savagery is beyond horrifying. In Gbagir, Ukum LGA, more than 70 innocent people were butchered in May. On June 14, Yelewata in Guma LGA witnessed another tragic episode — a massacre that took over 200 lives. These weren’t deaths caused by armed confrontation or stray bullets. These were planned killings. Entire households were wiped out, homes were torched, and survivors were left mentally scarred. Reports even suggest that law enforcement officers nearby were overwhelmed during the attacks. Yet, Guma and Ukum are not the only affected places. Similar violence has struck Otukpo and Apa LGAs. In early 2024, deadly attacks displaced entire settlements and annihilated communities. In areas such as Agatu, Gwer West, Logo, Kwande, Katsina-Ala, and rural Makurdi, unrelenting violence has decimated hope and displaced thousands. From the waterways of Agatu to Tarka and Buruku farms, Benue is in ruins. Still, the Presidency has remained silent. No federal action. No visits. No justice.” The leaders emphasized that these aren’t isolated clashes. They described them as part of an orchestrated ethnic cleansing and land-grabbing effort. According to humanitarian groups, the internally displaced population in Benue has surpassed 2 million. Many families now live in congested IDP camps with no access to necessities or dignity. The letter criticized Mr. Onanuga’s statement dated June 15, 2025, for falsely framing the events as retaliatory farmer-herder conflicts. They called the narrative false, insulting, and harmful. They wrote: “This is not a tit-for-tat between farmers and herders. There has been no provocation from our communities to justify such brutality. These are intentional attacks against defenseless villagers. Calling it anything less than genocide erases the pain of thousands and strengthens the hands of those behind the terror. Was the 7-month-old baby that was hacked and burned a farmer? Were babies killed in their mothers’ arms participants in a land dispute? These were mass murders, not communal disagreements.” The leaders opposed President Tinubu’s call for dialogue, stating: “Mr. President, your call for reconciliation assumes equal parties in a fight. The people of Benue are not in battle with Fulani or any ethnic group. We are not waging war. The attacks are carried out by faceless assailants who come to kill, burn, and steal land. This is terrorism. To suggest otherwise is to belittle the agony of the victims. Your reconciliation plan lacks justice. No known herdsman has been apprehended or punished for these atrocities. How can there be peace without justice? Reconciliation must follow truth and accountability.” The letter also reminded the federal government of Benue’s critical role in Nigeria’s agricultural economy. They stressed that treating Benue’s ordeal as a regional squabble undermines the country’s food security and national stability. “Benue is not just a farming state; we are the backbone of Nigeria’s food system. Our people grow crops that feed millions and generate exports. Destabilizing Benue has grave implications for the whole nation.” They also highlighted that Benue overwhelmingly supported Tinubu in the 2023 elections, driven by the hope his campaign promised. That hope, they said, is now in serious doubt. They insisted that government must respond with urgency. The letter concluded with six strong demands: The leaders concluded: “A President’s greatness lies in how he responds to the cries of his people. We don’t ask for favors. We demand our constitutional rights—safety, justice, and hope for tomorrow. While we appreciate your upcoming visit to Benue on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, your silence and mischaracterization have left deep wounds. If this tragedy had occurred in Kano, Sokoto, or Maiduguri, would the federal response have been this slow and indifferent? Are Benue lives less valuable? This is a defining moment for your administration. The nation and posterity are watching. Let your legacy be one of courage, fairness, and decisive leadership.”
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Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has named Mr. Linus Obogo as his new Chief Press Secretary (CPS) and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, replacing Mr. Gill Nsa. Gill Nsa, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River chapter, previously succeeded Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche in May 2024. Ogbeche reportedly encountered multiple challenges during his tenure as Chief Press Secretary, which led to his eventual dismissal. Following his removal, Ogbeche was reassigned to Abuja, his prior base, to continue serving as a media aide to Governor Otu. Mr. Obogo, who previously worked with ThisDay newspaper, now becomes the third individual to occupy the CPS role since Governor Otu assumed office—marking three different appointees in just two years of the administration. Before this latest appointment, Obogo served as Deputy to Nsa and had earlier functioned in a similar capacity under former Governor Ben Ayade’s administration. Meanwhile, Mr. Nsa has been designated as the Special Adviser on Public Affairs. These new designations were confirmed in an official letter dated June 17, 2025, and signed by Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
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A series of powerful blasts were recorded in the early hours of Tuesday in Tabriz, a significant city in north-west Iran that houses a major Iranian Air Force installation. The event comes as the conflict between Iran and Israel continues to intensify. According to Ham Mihan, a local Iranian newspaper, two consecutive explosions were heard just five minutes apart. Mehr News Agency also circulated a video clip capturing thick columns of black smoke rising following the detonations. Tabriz, located more than 600 kilometers (approximately 375 miles) from Tehran, is recognized as a critical military zone. It has reportedly been the subject of recent Israeli airstrikes, which have escalated regional hostilities. While official confirmation regarding the exact cause of the explosions remains unavailable, the blasts appear to be linked to rising military conflict between Iran and Israel. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, General Kioumars Heidari, commander of Iran’s Army Ground Forces, announced that Iran had executed overnight drone strikes on strategic sites in Tel Aviv and Haifa. Speaking to state television, Heidari emphasized that the drones used were equipped with high-precision targeting systems and destructive capabilities. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported intercepting about 30 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), many of which were suspected to have been launched from Iranian territory. According to the IDF, no drone successfully impacted Israeli soil, as most were neutralized before entering Israeli airspace.
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The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has expressed deep concern over the violent attacks that occurred recently in Benue State, North Central Nigeria, which resulted in the tragic deaths of numerous civilians. Guterres urged that those responsible for the heinous acts be swiftly brought to justice. According to several reports, the assaults happened while villagers were asleep in Yelewata, leading to widespread fatalities and the displacement of many residents. Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, commented on the development, stating, “We are closely observing the unfolding events. The Secretary-General condemns the killing of innocent civilians, including in Nigeria, and hopes the perpetrators of this violence are identified and held accountable.” Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also decried the wave of violence in Benue, appealing to both local leaders and citizens to embrace peace, unity, and mutual respect. As part of a new initiative to restore stability in the region, President Tinubu is scheduled to visit Benue State on Wednesday. His visit will focus on peacebuilding and exploring lasting solutions to the communal strife that has plagued the area. During his time in the state, the President is expected to engage with various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political figures, religious heads, community representatives, and youth organizations. He also extended his sincere condolences to the victims’ families and everyone who has suffered loss or displacement due to the crisis.
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Monday that it successfully eliminated Major General Ali Shadmani, Iran’s newly instated senior military figure, in a direct airstrike. This operation occurred only days after Israel’s initial strike that took out his predecessor, marking an aggressive escalation in its ongoing conflict with Iran. Shadmani recently took command of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, which serves as Iran’s top military emergency coordination unit. He stepped into the role following the death of Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, who was killed during Israeli military action the previous Friday. Shadmani maintained the leadership role for merely four days before being neutralized in what Israeli forces described as a carefully executed mission. According to statements released by the IDF, Shadmani operated as Iran’s top de facto military authority. He was referred to as the “chief of war staff” and maintained a close working relationship with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “He commanded both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran’s conventional military forces,” the IDF stated. Further clarifying his influence, the IDF confirmed that Shadmani, under his leadership, authorized operational strategies and led offensive planning initiatives against Israel from within the Khatam-al Anbiya command center. The military emphasized that Shadmani played a hands-on role in developing and approving direct attack strategies targeting Israel. His elimination, the IDF claims, delivers a substantial disruption to Iran’s top-level command operations and decision-making structure. Shadmani previously served as deputy commander of the same headquarters and also held the post of chief of operations for Iran’s overall armed forces. These roles placed him at the core of Iran’s long-term strategic military blueprint and combat planning processes.
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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urgently called for the evacuation of Tehran’s 10 million residents, warning of the Iranian government’s persistent pursuit of nuclear capabilities. On his Truth Social account this Monday, Trump issued a strongly worded message condemning Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He stated, “What a disgrace, and what a tragic loss of human life. In simple terms, IRAN MUST NOT ACQUIRE NUCLEAR WEAPONS. I’ve said it again and again! Everyone should evacuate Tehran right away!” This appeal comes as the Middle East conflict intensifies, following a wave of Israeli air raids targeting Iranian positions. Tehran, home to nearly 10 million people, has moved to high alert status amid fears of retaliation or escalation. Nonetheless, the idea of evacuating such a heavily populated city poses enormous logistical hurdles. Flights have been severely disrupted throughout the region, with major Iranian airports and several in neighbouring nations either shut down or operating under tight restrictions. Key highways and exit routes around the capital have also been sealed for security reasons. Trump’s statement represents a significant rise in confrontational language. Though he initially hesitated to back Israel’s military actions against Iran, he has since publicly shifted to supporting them, albeit reluctantly. According to LMSINT MEDIA, even as Trump sides with Israeli interests, the White House confirmed on Monday that he would not sign onto any possible G7 agreement aimed at easing tensions in the region. Last month, Iran and the U.S. engaged in diplomatic discussions in Rome, focusing on Iran’s ongoing uranium enrichment program—a central obstacle in international nuclear talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had expressed reserved hopefulness at the time. However, hostilities have escalated since then, driven by unresolved disagreements regarding enrichment thresholds and the role of global inspectors. While the Trump-led administration continues to advocate for cautious handling, it has simultaneously intensified its support for Israel by deploying a second aircraft carrier and additional naval vessels armed with missile defence technology to the conflict zone.
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Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations have restated Israel’s right to self-defense amid escalating tensions with Iran, while naming Tehran as the main driver of instability in the Middle East. In a collective declaration released late Monday from the G7 summit held in Canada, the member countries openly criticized Iran’s recent conduct and emphasized their apprehensions regarding its nuclear aspirations. “Iran continues to be the primary source of unrest and terrorism in the region. We maintain our firm stance that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons,” the statement declared. Even as the G7 underscored Israel’s sovereign right to defend itself, the leaders highlighted the importance of safeguarding civilian lives and urged all parties to rapidly de-escalate the conflict across the region. The statement also demanded a ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the need for unimpeded humanitarian relief in conflict-affected zones. This unified Western message comes amid concerns over the potential outbreak of a larger conflict, following Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian territory and subsequent counterattacks that have reportedly led to numerous casualties in both nations. The G7 alliance includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
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As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, the United States has confirmed the deployment of additional defense systems across the Middle East, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In a recent post shared via his verified account on the platform X, Hegseth emphasized that this strategic decision is primarily aimed at enhancing the security of American personnel operating in the region, amid growing threats linked to the deepening conflict. “The safety of our troops remains our foremost concern. These deployments are being made to fortify our defensive stance across the Middle East,” Hegseth declared in the statement. While specific details of the military reinforcements remain classified, credible earlier reports suggest that the Pentagon has initiated the deployment of several aerial refueling tankers and is in the process of repositioning a U.S. aircraft carrier to strategic waters nearby. This move comes as global concern intensifies over the implications of the ongoing Israel-Iran hostilities, which have already resulted in significant casualties and heightened fears of a full-scale regional war across the Middle East.
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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.
