Benue Killings: Group Demands Tinubu’s Intervention, Support State Policing

The Save Nigeria Movement (SNM), a prominent pro-democracy organisation, has denounced the inaction of important northern stakeholders in the wake of a recent spate of fatal attacks in Benue State, characterising the situation as a serious national security emergency necessitating prompt federal action.

In a statement signed by Joseph Akawe, SNM’s National Coordinator, the group expressed deep concern over what it sees as efforts to downplay the scale of the crisis. It urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to go beyond rhetorical appeals for peace and take concrete steps to address the violence.

The group’s reaction follows President Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue, where nearly 200 residents, including women and children, were reportedly killed in a series of coordinated attacks.

“Mr. President, while we appreciate your presence and empathy, the current situation in Benue has gone beyond rhetorical calls for peace,” Akawe stated. “As rightly noted by the Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, this is a persistent and systematic assault aimed at displacing innocent communities.”

SNM warned against framing the crisis as a purely state-level issue, stressing the federal government’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property. It urged the president to ensure justice by identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the violence.

The group also expressed disappointment with the apparent silence of prominent northern figures, suggesting that such indifference could be misconstrued as tacit approval of the attacks.

“The world watched how northern groups responded swiftly to incidents involving northerners elsewhere. The same concern must be shown for the lives of all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity or location,” the statement said.

Backing Governor Hyacinth Alia’s call for the establishment of state police, SNM described it as a “viable long-term solution” to tackle the escalating security crisis in Benue and other vulnerable regions.

The group also called for urgent reform of land use and grazing policies, advocating ranching over open grazing. It warned that any policy seen to prioritize one group’s economic interests at the expense of displaced communities could further inflame tensions.

While acknowledging public calls for self-defense, SNM cautioned against unregulated vigilante actions, warning that such efforts could worsen instability. Instead, the group emphasized the importance of state-controlled and accountable security structures.

In conclusion, SNM urged the people of Benue to support legitimate government efforts and remain engaged with democratic processes.

“If our people lose faith in both state and federal efforts, the crisis may spiral beyond control. It is time to unite, take responsibility, and demand lasting solutions,” the group added.