Benue Killings: Group urges Tinubu to act decisively, backs state police initiative

A leading pro-democracy advocacy group, Save Nigeria Movement (SNM), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action in response to the ongoing killings in Benue State, warning that the crisis has become a national security emergency requiring urgent federal intervention.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Joseph Akawe, SNM expressed deep concern over what it described as attempts to downplay the severity of the violence that has claimed nearly 200 lives, including women and children, in a series of coordinated attacks.

“Mr. President, while we appreciate your visit and words of empathy, the situation in Benue has surpassed the need for rhetorical calls for peace,” Akawe said. “This is a persistent and systematic assault, as rightly pointed out by the Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, aimed at displacing innocent communities.”

The group criticized the perceived silence of influential northern stakeholders, arguing that the lack of strong public condemnation may be interpreted as tacit approval of the violence. It urged prominent leaders and groups across the North to speak out boldly in support of national unity and justice.

“We have seen swift reactions from northern groups when their interests are affected elsewhere. The same energy must be shown when Nigerians in the Middle Belt are under attack,” the statement noted.

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SNM emphasized that the Benue crisis should not be treated as a state-level issue, stressing the need for federal action to protect lives, ensure justice, and prosecute those responsible for the attacks. The group threw its support behind Governor Hyacinth Alia’s call for the establishment of state police, describing it as a viable long-term solution to the deepening security challenges in Benue and other vulnerable regions.

In addition, the group addressed the contentious issues of land use and grazing, advocating for comprehensive reforms that prioritize ranching over open grazing. SNM warned that any policy perceived as favoring the economic interests of one group over the safety and rights of local communities would only deepen existing tensions.

While acknowledging growing calls for community self-defense, SNM urged restraint, warning that uncoordinated civilian defense efforts could trigger further instability. Instead, the group advocated for state-controlled security structures backed by constitutional and legislative support.

The statement concluded with a call to action for Benue residents to remain resilient, support genuine government-led interventions, and continue to engage with democratic institutions to demand long-lasting solutions.

“If people lose faith in both state and federal responses, the crisis may spiral out of control,” SNM warned. “This is the time for unity, responsibility, and sustained leadership to confront the existential threat facing Benue and its people.”