Statewide Address by His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State, on the Yelewata Massacre and the Ongoing Security Challenges in the State – Saturday, June 14, 2025.
I speak to you this morning with a heart weighed down by grief but strengthened by responsibility.
Terror struck Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area last night. Over two hundred of our brothers and sisters lost their lives in a brutal attack by terrorists disguised as herders. Families were decimated. Children, elders, and women were mercilessly killed and burned in their homes. Just two days ago, Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi also faced violent invasions, claiming 25 lives. This is evil in its rawest form, and I condemn it completely.
This isn’t an isolated tragedy. Our people have suffered repeated massacres in Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Agatu, Otukpo, Apa, Gwer West, Gwer East, and other places. These victims are not statistics. They were our people — with names, dreams, and families.
My administration will no longer remain cautious or restrained in our response.
To every grieving family: I stand with you. I share your pain, and I assure you that this will not go unaddressed.
Earlier this morning, I formally requested an immediate one-on-one meeting with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I intend to present our sorrow directly and insist on clear, federal intervention. Benue cannot continue to shoulder this burden alone.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has received instructions to relocate displaced persons to the Makurdi International Market premises and provide them with essential support. All related agencies must stand ready to assist SEMA as needed.
To chart a stronger path forward, I have convened an emergency high-level meeting in Makurdi. Participants include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, National Assembly members from Benue, State House of Assembly leaders, Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and resident security chiefs.
Today, I declare a unified front in Benue State. Political divisions no longer matter, and I will do everything possible to ensure reconciliation.
We are not defined by political affiliations. We are not divided by tribe. We are one Benue — united, wounded, and determined to defend ourselves together.
To the perpetrators, enablers, and silent collaborators of these atrocities: we are coming for you. We will identify, expose, and bring you to justice. Your aim to seize our fertile land will never succeed. It will never happen.
We will no longer sit back and wait to be attacked. We will confront those who bring war to our doorsteps. With President Tinubu’s support, we are reinstating full enforcement of the Anti-Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law. All herders must cease open grazing on Benue soil or face strict legal consequences.
Security in border communities is being reinforced. Military and police tactical teams are deploying immediately. We’re also enhancing joint operations and improving local intelligence gathering.
But strength must be matched with unity. I call on communities to remain vigilant, share information, and support one another. Our enemies rely on our division. Together, we will break their grip.
To our youths: thank you for raising your voices. I have read your messages and watched your videos. Your courage energizes me. Remain alert and brave, but stay coordinated and lawful. Never again should our people be caught unprepared.
To every resident of Benue: mourn, but also rise. Cry, but never give up. We will prevail.
I extend my deepest thanks to the dedicated individuals in our security services. My condolences go to the families of the two soldiers and NSCDC officer who died in the Yelewata attack. Our government has created a life insurance package for anyone wounded or killed in service. This support covers incidents dating back to May 29, 2023, and ensures their families are not left behind.
This is not a message of fear. It is a message of defiance.
We are Benue. We are unbroken. We will rise.
May God comfort us in this time of sorrow, strengthen our defenders, and protect our land.
Thank you.
God bless Benue State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia
Governor, Benue State
