As Death Toll Rises, UN and Amnesty International Slam Nigerian Government Over Benue Killings
The escalating Benue State massacre has drawn sharp international criticism as reports of over 200 civilian deaths in recent attacks spark outrage at home and abroad.
With the death toll climbing and no end in sight, both the United Nations (UN) and Amnesty International have condemned the Nigerian government’s apparent inability to halt the bloodshed.
In a statement released by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the world body said it is closely monitoring the situation:
“We’re monitoring the situation,” he said.
“The Secretary-General condemns the killing of innocent civilians, including in Nigeria, and we hope that those responsible for this violence will be found and apprehended.”
This comes amid growing public anger over what many are calling a national emergency, one marked by brutal massacres, failed security promises, and a rising humanitarian crisis.
Human rights watchdog Amnesty International issued a scathing rebuke of the Nigerian government, accusing authorities of failing to protect citizens from increasingly brazen attacks.
“The horrifying killing of over 200 people by gunmen that invaded Yelewata from late Friday into the early hours of Saturday shows the security measures the government claims to be implementing in the state are not working,” the organization said in a strongly worded statement.
Amnesty warned that unless urgent action is taken, the cycle of violence will continue to spiral out of control.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately end the almost daily bloodshed in Benue State and bring the actual perpetrators to justice,” the statement added.
SaharaReporters confirmed that three security operatives were killed and 16 others injured during the assault on Yelewata, underscoring how even trained forces are struggling to contain the chaos.
The attack follows a string of similar incidents across the state, including the killing of three youths in Edikwu-G’Icho, Apa LGA, and the murder of Sunday Dutse along the Odugbeho-Ogbaulu road in Agatu LGA — all within days of each other.
Governor Alia Sounds Alarm: “We Are Under Siege”
Governor Hyacinth Alia has repeatedly warned that Benue is under organized attack, not just caught in random clashes.
“We are under siege,” he told Channels Television.
He described the wave of violence as “directed, planned, and executed,” rather than spontaneous communal conflict.
Alia also revealed that about 60–65% of intelligence reports received by his administration have proven accurate — yet the killings continue.
“This is not mere banditry,” he emphasized. “This is terrorism.”
A Nation in Crisis: 2,000 Killed in First Quarter Alone
According to data from SBM Intelligence, more than 2,000 Nigerians were killed nationwide in the first quarter of 2025, with over 500 of those deaths occurring in Benue alone.
The report also noted that 136 security personnel lost their lives in the same period, signaling an alarming escalation in violence.
Tinubu to Visit Benue Amid Pressure
Following mounting pressure and public outcry, President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to visit Benue on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to assess the crisis firsthand.
A statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, read:
“President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State. Instead, he will travel to Benue State on Wednesday… as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.”
During the visit, Tinubu is expected to meet with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community elders, and youth groups in a bid to chart a path toward lasting peace.
He will also hold a town hall meeting with stakeholders to discuss solutions to the ongoing violence.
In preparation, the President has dispatched high-level officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, and members of the National Assembly’s defense committees, to the state ahead of his arrival.
Originally scheduled to commission development projects in Kaduna on the same day, Tinubu’s trip to Benue has been moved to Thursday, June 19.
What Comes Next?
As the world watches, all eyes are on the federal government to see if this visit marks a turning point — or just another round of empty promises.
For now, families in Benue mourn their dead while survivors live in fear, hoping that real action, not just statements, will finally bring peace to their homes.