By Rejoice Peterside
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has strongly condemned the brutal attacks on Yelewata village in Benue State, North Central Nigeria, over the weekend, where dozens of civilians were reportedly killed in their sleep and many others displaced.
Guterres called for the perpetrators to be swiftly brought to justice, describing the violence as “unacceptable.” His deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, told reporters in New York that the UN is closely monitoring the situation.
“The Secretary-General condemns the killing of innocent civilians, including in Nigeria, and we hope that those responsible for this violence will be found and apprehended,” Haq said.
President Bola Tinubu also expressed outrage at the incident and extended condolences to families affected by the massacre. In a statement released on Tuesday, Tinubu urged Nigerians particularly leaders and residents in Benue to shun violence and embrace peace, unity, and mutual understanding.
The president is scheduled to visit Benue on Wednesday as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions and find lasting solutions to the state’s persistent communal and herdsmen-related conflicts.
During the visit, Tinubu is expected to hold crucial meetings with traditional rulers, political stakeholders, religious and community leaders, as well as youth representatives.
“The president is deeply pained by the senseless killings and is committed to working with local leaders to restore peace and security in the region,” the statement added.
Benue State has remained one of Nigeria’s most volatile regions in recent years, with recurring clashes between herders and farming communities leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
The international community, including the United Nations, continues to urge Nigerian authorities to take decisive action in ending the cycle of violence and ensuring justice for the victims.
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