Atiku shocked at news of fresh attacks in Benue, calls for probe

The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of the fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost.

Atiku on X said this killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscores the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation. “Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt by those left widowed, orphaned, or displaced”, he added.

The former VP who said his thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities who have suffered unimaginable loss, called to pause and reflect on the mounting human toll of this senseless violence in the nation.
He urged the Federal Government and Benue State authorities to launch a prompt, transparent investigation into the attack and identities of the perpetrators must be swiftly uncovered and justice served.

Atiku also called for enhance security presence in the region, deploying necessary resources, personnel, equipment, and intelligence to guarantee the protection of vulnerable rural areas.

While appealed to the authorities to engage the affected communities through dialogue, traditional leadership, and civil society to restore confidence and foster resilience.
He asked the government to accelerate compensation and support effort, including medical aid, trauma counselling, and livelihood restoration for survivors and bereaved families.

Atiku stated that this assault on innocent Nigerians is not just a local tragedy, but a national emergency that demands immediate attention and decisive action.

He also called on all Nigerians regardless of tribe or religion to unite in condemning this atrocity. “We must hold our leaders accountable and insist on sustainable solutions to the violent tragedies claiming lives across the country.

He prayed to God to comfort the grieving families, heal the nation, and help the country reclaim peace and security for all.

Barely two weeks after the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, moved to Benue State to stem violence in the state, terrorists on Friday attacked the refugee town of Yelwata in the Guma LGA, killing more than 100 people.

Residents described the carnage as the most deadly invasion by armed men since 2009, when they started experiencing terror attacks.

The assailants, believed to be Fulani militia, arrived in the town’s market square around 10 p.m. on 13 June, two residents told PREMIUM TIMES Saturday evening.
“While some of them were shooting sporadically, others macheted people,” Achin Mathias, a survivor of the attack said. “Most of the victims are displaced persons from other villages who were taking refuge inside stores in the market square.”

The terrorists also set stores and houses ablaze. Mr Mathias said more than 100 bodies have been recovered, “while others were burnt beyond recognition.”

He added that properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed in the attack that lasted for two hours without security intervention.
The Benue Police Command confirmed the latest attack in a statement. The spokesperson for the command, Udeme Edet, said: “The Police and Tactical Teams posted to the town and reinforcement responded swiftly to the attack and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange, and some of the attackers were killed in the process.”

“But it is with great sadness that we report that some individuals lost their lives and others sustained injuries,” he continued. “The police, however, have not relented and are still in pursuit of the attackers and will continue to keep everyone safe.”

Earlier this month, the army boss, Mr Oluyede, moved to Benue following the killing of about 270 people across the state in just two months.

Mr Oluyede, a lieutenant-general who arrived in the state with some top military officers, held a closed-door meeting with Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi. Thereafter, he visited some affected communities.