Human Right Groups Decry Benue Killings, Call on FG to Act Decisively 

* Tinubu sues for peace

Yinka Olatunbosun 

The recent attacks in Benue State, Nigeria, which have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, has ignited outrage online and on the streets of Makurdi, the state capital.

According to a report by Amnesty International, gunmen launched a coordinated attack on Yelewata village in Benue State’s Guma area, killing at least 100 people. The attack occurred between late Friday and early Saturday, June 13 and 14.

It was widely reported that the death toll may exceed 200, with many families burned inside their bedrooms and dozens still missing. Hundreds were injured while many survivors are without adequate medical care.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has sent a delegation to offer support to relatives of the victims. However, the state government has faced criticism for allegedly suppressing peaceful protests that erupted in the wake of the killings.

Indeed, protests broke out in Makurdi, the state capital, with youths blocking major highways and demanding justice and protection. The police had allegedly arrested 14 people in connection with the protests, which were allegedly hijacked by hoodlums.

It is believed that the attacks may have been linked to herders, with some reports suggesting foreign mercenaries may have been involved. The police have also arrested 33 individuals from northern Nigeria who were attempting to take residence in a private property in Makurdi.

The incident has since sparked widespread outrage, with calls for President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue State.

On X (formerly known as Twitter), a tweep @BI_TINLAYE wrote: “Those horrible videos I watched about that innocent 200 citizens of Benue Nigeria that got massacred is the most saddest videos ever, like why can’t the government declare the state of emergency in that state?”

Another tweep @NelsonSplendid1 wrote: “Why should the government rehabilitate people who deliberately killed innocent children? What crime did these little children commit that warranted their massacre by Fulani herdsmen? A state of emergency should be declared in Benue to end this pogrom now.”

Human rights organisations have also warned that unchecked violence in the region could spiral into a wider ethnic in the wake of the killings.

Amnesty International has described the incident as “horrifying,” criticizing the Nigerian authorities for failing to curb the violence. It demanded an immediate end to the “almost daily bloodshed” and swift justice for the perpetrators.

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) warned that Nigeria is on the brink of a full-scale ethnic war if the government fails to act decisively. It condemned the massacre of over 200 people in Benue State by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.

Initiative for Human Rights and Gender Awareness (IHRGA) has started a petition on online calling for an end to the Benue killings. It shared its concerns using hashtags #StopBenueKillings #SaveBenue #JusticeForYelewata.

These organizations have expressed concern over the Nigerian government’s inability to protect its citizens and prevent such attacks. They also highlighted the need for urgent action to prevent further loss of life and livelihood.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has issued a press statement in reaction to the onslaught in Benue State.

He said: “Enough is enough! I have directed the security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them. Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.

“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue. Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”

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    Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda as the world marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325).

    In a statement signed by the Minister and released by Jonathan Eze, her Special Adviser, Media & Publicity, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the Resolution as “a defining moment that gave the world a new language for peace — one spoken through the courage, strength, and leadership of women.”

    The Minister noted that Nigeria remains one of the first African countries to domesticate the global agenda through the development of its National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security, which ensures that women’s participation, protection, and leadership are mainstreamed into national security and peacebuilding processes.

    He stated that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which prioritizes women, children, families, and vulnerable groups, the Third National Action Plan (NAP 3) has been developed and approved by the President. The new plan, she said, was crafted through an inclusive process involving government agencies, the United Nations system, development partners, and civil society, ensuring collective ownership and accountability.

    She announced that a National Committee will soon be inaugurated to operationalize the Third NAP and coordinate its implementation nationwide. The committee, comprising representatives from relevant ministries, security agencies, and partners, will also oversee activities commemorating 25 years of the global Women, Peace, and Security Agenda.

    The Minister highlighted major institutional reforms that have strengthened gender mainstreaming within Nigeria’s security sector — including the establishment of Gender Desk Offices across the Armed Forces and paramilitary services and the elevation of the Directorate of Gender in the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff.

    She praised the adoption of gender policies by the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), describing them as “bold shifts toward inclusive and accountable security governance.”

    Under these initiatives, Nigeria has recorded historic progress — including the appointment of the first female Deputy Director-General of the DSS, female Comptroller Generals of Immigration, the first female Deputy Comptroller General of the NSCDC, and the first female Public Relations Officers of both the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force.

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    She explained that the Third National Action Plan aligns with the Nine Pillars of the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programmes (RH-SIIP) of the Ministry, providing a comprehensive framework for empowerment, protection, social inclusion, governance, and national stability.

    She expressed appreciation to key partners — including UN Women, the Defence Headquarters, the Nigeria Police, the DSS, the Governments of the United Kingdom and Norway, development partners, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders — for their sustained collaboration in advancing the WPS Agenda.

    Reaffirming the Ministry’s resolve, the Minister stated:

    “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we will continue to champion women’s leadership as the cornerstone of peace, stability, and progress. When women lead in peace, nations rise in strength — and when women rise, they lift generations, communities, and the destiny of a nation.”

    ​  

    Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda as the world marks the 25th

    Dapo Abiodun Appoints Odulaja as Chairman, Institute of Technology

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    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has appointed the Lapo-Ekun of Ijebu Ode, Chief Tunde Odulaja, as the Chairman of the Governing Council of Ogun State Institute of Technology, igbesa.

    The appointment, which has taken effect since Monday, 27th October, 2025, was conveyed to Odulaja, via a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi

    Odulaja’s appointment came with a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years, having graduated form the University of Leeds, UK in 1992.

    As a renowned Information technology expert, the Ijebu traditional leader once worked with Shell Petroleum Development Company.

    Odulaja was also an IT Manager at the Nigeria German Chemical Limited before turning the Chief Executive Officer of PRAMARK Consult Limited, which was established 1997

    The High Chief being the Chairman of OnecardNigeria, a Fintech company, is also on the board of other companies.

    The letter reads:
    I am delighted to inform you that the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR, has approved your appointment as Chairman of the Governing Council of Ogun State Institute of Technology, igbesa. The appointment takes effect from Monday, 27th October, 2025.

    “Please accept my hearty congratulations on your appointment and best wishes for a successful tenure of Office.”

    ​  

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has appointed the Lapo-Ekun of Ijebu Ode, Chief Tunde Odulaja, as the Chairman of the Governing Council of Ogun State Institute of Technology, igbesa.

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