By Rafiyat Sadiq
Governor Hyacinth Alia has dismissed the call for a state of emergency in Benue State, calling it mischievous.
The governors reaction followed the public backlash over his “poor response” to the Benue killings, with many questioning his leadership in the face of the recurring attacks.
Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, situated in the North Central part of Nigeria, has for years faced series of attacks, with the latest incident by suspected herdsmen claiming 151 lives, according to the Governor.
Gov. Alia during a live interview on TVC News confirmed the latest death toll of Benue bloodshed as 151, stating that “127 persons have been buried, two bodies are currently in the mortuary, 18 bodies are yet to be buried, and four have been recovered from the bush.”
He said: “On what basis are they even suggesting that a state of emergency be declared? This is a mischievous statement and an unfortunate line of thinking.”
President Bola Tinubu had earlier pledged to visit Benue state on Wednesday for a condolence.
The announcement comes amid growing criticism from citizens and opposition figures, who have questioned the president’s failure to personally address the tragedies that have rocked parts of the country.
Read Also: https://thepinnacleng.com/human-rights/benue-tinubu-orders-security-chiefs-to-enforce-peace
Obi Slams Tinubu’s Silence on National Tragedies
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has vehemently criticized President Tinubu for his absence in the aftermath of deadly incidents in both Benue and Niger states. Obi, who ran under the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, said in a strongly worded tweet on Monday that leadership demands visibility, empathy, and swift action—qualities he believes, are currently lacking.
Floods and Massacres Ignored, Says Obi
Obi pointed to the deadly flood in Niger State, which reportedly claimed nearly 200 lives and left many missing, as well as the Benue attacks that killed over 200 civilians and soldiers. Despite the scale of these disasters, President Tinubu has not visited either site, Obi said.
he said: “We witnessed severe flooding in Niger State that claimed nearly 200 lives—yet not even a single presidential visit. Just days ago, over 200 Nigerians were massacred in Benue. Again, no visit, no national mourning, no comfort for the grieving.”
Leadership Must Be Measured by Action, Not Title
He emphasized that leadership is not just about occupying an office, but about acting with integrity and compassion in times of crisis. Obi accused Tinubu’s administration of lacking the “competence, capacity, character, and compassion” that define responsible governance.
Obi Compares Tinubu with Global Leaders
Obi drew comparisons with world leaders like India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, who he said quickly visited victims of disasters in their respective countries.
“In India, the Prime Minister arrived at the scene within hours of a deadly crash. In South Africa, after floods killed dozens, the president met with victims. That is what leadership with empathy looks like,” he noted.
Calls for Transformational Leadership
Obi further stated:”Nigeria does not just need another president; Nigeria needs a leader— a leader with competence, capacity, character, and compassion. Until we choose leaders based on these principles, the cycle of pain will only continue.”
Atiku Condemns Bloodshed, Says ‘Enough is Enough’
Atiku Abubakar
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, also condemned the bloodshed in Benue State, describing it as “a brutal and heart-wrenching reality that can no longer be ignored.”
In a statement posted on his official X account (formerly Twitter), titled “Enough is Enough: Benue Cannot Bleed in Silence,” Atiku wrote:”The bloodshed in Benue State has reached a devastating crescendo — a brutal and heart-wrenching reality that can no longer be ignored.
“For years, families have buried their loved ones in silence, villages have been ravaged, and communities shattered, while those in power watch from a distance, offering nothing but hollow assurances.”
Urges Nigerians to Speak Up, Questions Government Response to Protesters
Atiku further urged Nigerians not to be silenced and to demand accountability and justice. He expressed concern over the police response to protesters who were reportedly dispersed with tear gas during a peaceful demonstration.
“When citizens take to the streets to protest this injustice, they are not inciting rebellion — they are crying for help. They are demanding what every Nigerian is constitutionally entitled to: the right to life and the protection of that life by the state.
“But what do they receive in return? Tear gas. Brutality. Disdain. It is like pouring hot oil on an open wound.
“This is a call to conscience for every leader at both the federal and state levels: stop turning a blind eye while Benue drowns in blood. Stop offering condolences and start offering solutions. Work with security agencies, deploy resources, and craft a security architecture that prioritizes human lives over political optics,” he said.
Angry Youths Protest
Hundreds of youths in Benue State blocked major roads to protest the continuous attacks, killings, and displacement of people in the state by armed herders.
They demanded action over the alleged killings on Saturday in Yelewata.
They were later joined by social media influencer Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.