Former Secretary-General of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere, Ayo Opadokun, has raised concerns about the persistent insecurity in Nigeria, attributing it to deliberate actions by individuals aiming to destabilize the nation. According to Opadokun, those opposing the current administration are partly responsible for the surge in terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities, particularly in the northern regions of the country. Speaking in Offa, Kwara State, during his installation as Grand Patron of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the local government chapter on Sunday, Opadokun emphasized that the ongoing insecurity is not coincidental. He asserted that there is a coordinated effort by destructive elements intending to fragment the country and undermine national stability. The respected NADECO chieftain highlighted that the perpetrators of terrorism have backers with vested interests in causing unrest, noting that these sponsors are individuals from diverse backgrounds who are determined to prevent the government from achieving its objectives. Opadokun’s statement underscores the complex network behind criminal activities in Nigeria, calling for heightened vigilance and stronger measures to tackle not just the criminals but also those who finance and facilitate these acts. This revelation comes at a time when the nation continues to grapple with security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency, raising questions about how effectively these issues are being addressed at both state and federal levels. For further insights into Nigeria’s security situation, you can read more about the current security challenges in Nigeria from reputable sources. Additionally, check our coverage on government initiatives to combat terrorism and strategies to ensure nationwide peace.
Jimin Geoffrey, who formerly served as Senior Special Assistant on Media to ex-Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, has voiced deep frustration over the persistent and unprovoked assaults targeting the people of Benue State by heavily armed Fulani herdsmen. Speaking to LMSINT MEDIA, Jimin emphasized that even with President Bola Tinubu’s recent courtesy visit to Benue in the aftermath of the violent bloodbath at Yelwata, located in Guma Local Government Area, the attacks have shown no sign of abating. According to Jimin, who himself hails from Guma, on Saturday, the 21st of June, 2025, four individuals tragically lost their lives at several different spots across Makurdi and Guma. These included Tse Ati, Uda Yagba, and Tse-Kator within Guma LGA. He continued by recounting another harrowing incident on Sunday, the 19th of June, 2025, when four officers from the Mobile Police Force were savagely murdered by the so-called harvesters at Udei, also within Guma Local Government Area. In a similar vein, on the 2nd of July, 2025, these bloodthirsty elements launched another brutal offensive on Kwaghgba village, where at least three innocent residents were reportedly slaughtered in cold blood. Tragically, on Thursday, the 3rd of July, 2025, militia herders carried out yet another violent assault in Ukohol village, again situated in Guma, where no fewer than three villagers were killed. The string of violence continued, according to Jimin, when the horror shifted to Tse-Anundu in Udei on Friday, the 4th of July, 2025. During that attack, Mr. Nomsoor Anundu was killed, while two other individuals suffered gunshot wounds and are currently undergoing medical treatment. LMSINT MEDIA recalled that President Tinubu, during his visit on June 18, 2025, had directed both the Chief of Defense Staff and the Inspector General of Police to ensure those responsible for the violence are flushed out. Additionally, Tinubu ordered the Directors General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the State Security Service (SSS) to restructure their intelligence-gathering systems to obtain credible information to prevent similar tragedies in the future. However, our correspondent found that despite these high-level directives, the overall security environment in Guma and surrounding areas remains dangerously unchanged. Jimin decried that these terrorist elements have occupied deserted farms and abandoned homes, from which they continue to launch deadly raids against anyone venturing into their own backyard to engage in farming. “The ease with which these terrorists carry out their operations and retreat unchallenged is frightening,” he lamented. “I fear there may be another bloodbath looming for Benue State.” Jimin further emphasized, “I wish to state it without any doubt that the Renewed Hope slogan promised to Nigerians by Mr. President during his election campaigns, for the people of Benue, has only translated into RECURRING DEATHS. “We die daily, anywhere and anytime, at the pleasure of these so-called harvesters who seem to have planted us in this part of the country. Even the security operatives assigned to protect us have not been spared from their killing spree. “Countless victims, among them children who barely survived previous attacks, are still battling for their lives in different hospitals. Meanwhile, these gun-wielding terrorists are persistently plotting new attacks on more Benue communities without facing any resistance,” he concluded.
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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.
