Benue Massacre: Displaced Survivors Protest Poor Living Conditions, Hunger

Makurdi, Benue State – Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State took to the streets of Makurdi on Thursday, decrying dire living conditions and food shortages at their temporary shelter.

The IDPs, who are currently taking refuge at the Makurdi International Ultra-Modern Market following the devastating attacks by suspected armed herders last weekend that claimed over 200 lives, staged a peaceful protest along Abu King Shuluwa Road. Chanting solidarity songs, they demanded urgent government intervention to alleviate their suffering.

While the protest drew sympathy from many observers, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) dismissed it as a politically sponsored demonstration.

Outcry Over Hunger, Neglect, and Unfair Relief Distribution

The protesting survivors alleged that relief efforts had been poorly managed, with inadequate food supplies and lack of transparency in the distribution of funds donated for their welfare. They also accused state authorities of neglecting their plight after being evacuated from their ravaged communities.

“We’re starving. Even the money reportedly donated by Senator Akume hasn't reached us,” said Liambe, a protester. “If they won’t help us, let them take us back to our villages—we’d rather die there than suffer here.”

The IDPs also raised concerns over the disbursement of a ₦12 million donation made during a recent visit by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and a serving senator from Benue. The protesters claimed that the process lacked transparency and fairness.

BSEMA Denies Allegations, Says Protest Politically Driven

In response, BSEMA's Administrative Officer, Dr. Donald Komgbenda, insisted that the protest was orchestrated by individuals excluded from the relief process.

“This was a sponsored protest. When the camp was established, there were about 190 verified IDPs. As of now, the population has surged to over 3,500,” Komgbenda said. “We began profiling and distributing food daily, but some unregistered individuals stirred up unrest under the guise of hunger.”

He explained that the SGF's ₦10 million donation was earmarked for the Yelewata community (₦6 million) and camp management (₦6 million) to cover operational needs. “We can’t hand out food without proper profiling. That leads to chaos and mismanagement,” he added.

Peter Obi Condemns Tinubu, Alia for “Carnival” Visit

Meanwhile, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, lambasted President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he described as a tone-deaf visit to Benue State.

“The President arrived not in mourning attire, but celebratory agbada—as if it were a festival, not a condolence visit,” Obi said in a post on X. “Children whose classmates were murdered were made to sing and dance in the rain. This is not how a compassionate nation mourns.”

Obi criticized what he called the "politicization of grief", likening the visit to a campaign rally rather than a solemn reflection. “Leadership should be felt in moments of national tragedy—not reduced to optics and staged performances,” he wrote.

Atiku: Visit Was Political Spectacle

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in, describing Tinubu’s visit as a political show. His media aide, Paul Ibe, stated: “Instead of comforting the bereaved, children were lined up on the highway waving in the rain. Security agencies that couldn’t prevent the massacre were quick to tear-gas peaceful protesters demanding justice.”

He added that Tinubu’s administration appears more focused on 2027 politics than solving pressing national security challenges.

Farotimi: Tinubu’s Visit Did More Harm Than Good

Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi condemned the visit, asserting that the only meaningful statement came from the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, who described the attack as a “calculated genocidal invasion by herder terrorists.”

“It would have been better if the President had not come at all,” Farotimi said. “His presence offered no comfort. Instead, it felt like dancing on the graves of the victims.”

Tinubu Directs SGF to Lead Crisis Committee

In a move to address the ongoing crisis, President Tinubu has tasked SGF George Akume with coordinating a high-level committee to restore peace in Benue State.

A statement from the SGF’s office said the committee will include former governors, traditional rulers such as the Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma, and other stakeholders. Their mandate is to develop actionable strategies to resolve the root causes of the violence and ensure long-term stability.

Yari Vows Justice, Warns Against Underestimating President

Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari assured Benue residents that justice will be served. “The President doesn’t make empty threats. Those responsible for the killings will be found and punished,” he said, calling for a whole-of-society approach to end the violence.

Police Trust Fund: Perpetrators Must Be Brought to Book

Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Femi Sheidu, urged law enforcement agencies to apprehend the killers swiftly. Speaking during the commissioning of a new police facility in Ebonyi State, Sheidu said: “We must never normalize violence. The safety of our citizens must remain a top priority.”

Vanguard

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