Killings Trigger Demands For Emergency Rule In Benue

A growing number of Nigerians on social media are calling on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Benue State following a deadly two-day attack by suspected herders, which reportedly left over 200 people dead.

Many have drawn comparisons to the swift federal response in Rivers State earlier this year, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara was suspended and a state of emergency declared over a political crisis that claimed no lives.

At least 45 deaths have been confirmed in Guma Local Government Area, though local leaders insist the true toll exceeds 200, including security personnel and entire families who were burned alive.

Despite the scale of the killings, President Bola Tinubu and the Presidency have yet to officially comment on the incident as of Monday morning, fueling widespread outrage across social media platforms.

“My heart goes out to the people of Benue. 200 is a lot!!!!!! And the govt didn’t declare a state of emergency. Nigerian leaders hate Nigerians!” a user with the handle @1creeknation wrote.

Referencing the recent political dispute in Rivers, an X user, Alphabet, with the handle @Alphabet_ABCD_ said, “Over 200 Nigerians were massacred in Benue and no state of emergency has been declared. The presidency hasn’t even addressed the incident 48hrs after.

“But a minor misunderstanding occurred between a boy and his Oga in Ph and a state of emergency was declared. Na country be this?”

Human rights activist Rinu Oduala also weighed in. Tweeting with the handle, @SavvyRinu, she said, “Zero deaths in Rivers state – State of emergency. 200+ Nigerians brutally killed in Benue and other states – No state of emergency. Tinubu, please resign. The evil you have done is enough.”

Some users argued that the government’s silence highlights a troubling prioritisation of political dominance over the protection of human lives.

“Israel and Iran at war each other don’t even have this number of casualties yet. The President declared state of emergency in Rivers when infrastructures were targeted, but couldn’t care less about humans being killed in Benue,” Kunle, tweeting as @Soulmedika, wrote.

Another user, KHAN, with the username @khanofkhans11_ said, “The first thing I expected was a state of emergency and heavy military presence. Comb every corner of the state and fish them out. But no, it’s I have been briefed coupled with pandering to terror!sts. Gross incompetence.”

In a statement on Sunday, President Tinubu expressed concern over the killings and called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to bring all stakeholders together in a united effort to end the violence.

Tinubu said, “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.”

A Facebook user, ‎Diliba Shalom, reacting to the President’s statement, wrote in pidgin, “‎Reconciliation between who and who? When it was Wike and Fubara he declared state of emergency… Now e reach Benue turn na reconciliation between farmers and herders”

Nigerians continue to criticise the absence of a state of emergency or visible military crackdown in Benue State.