Benue killings: David Mark warns of self-defence as Tinubu visits

Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday warned that residents of Benue State might be forced to defend themselves following the escalation of killings in the state.

Mark, according to a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, said the failure of authorities to address the security crisis could force residents to resort to self-help.

He described the killings, and the destruction of homes and livelihoods across the state as “senseless, tragic and unacceptable.”

“This is the unfortunate reality the Benue people are confronted with. The government must rise to its responsibility or risk leaving the people with no option but to defend themselves,” he said.

Mark called on the federal government to fulfil its constitutional obligation to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.

He urged the Benue State government to intensify efforts to secure the state and restore public confidence.

He further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders to remain vigilant and to support security agencies in identifying and bringing perpetrators to justice.

David Mark warns of self-defence as Tinubu visits

“This is a trying time for our people. We must stand together, mobilise, and speak with one voice against the invaders. We must not succumb to fear,” he urged.

He asked residents to remain law-abiding, united, and committed to the enduring values of community and brotherhood.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu Tinubu has rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State and will travel to Benue State on Wednesday over the violence in the state.

The presidency said the visit was part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said the president’s visit was aimed at assessing firsthand the recurring crises that have claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.

“During his stay, President Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups—to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.

“In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the chairmen of the Senate and House Defence committees to Benue State.

“The president is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit,” the statement read.

President Tinubu had earlier condemned the ongoing violence in the state and called on all leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who have suffered losses as a result of the crises.

According to his itinerary released over the weekend, Tinubu was scheduled to visit Kaduna State on Wednesday to commission some state government projects.

However, the official visit will now occur on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Tales of woe as CDS, IGP visit

Residents of Yelewata community in Benue State, where over 100 persons were killed at the weekend have continued to narrate their ordeals.

This is just as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, visited the state for an assessment of the security situation.

A trader, Elizabeth Terhemba, sat in the ruins of her burnt shop as sympathisers helped her salvage what was left. Speaking to our correspondent, she said:  “It was raining heavily around 11pm when the attackers suddenly came. I still don’t know how I managed to escape. Others, including my co-wives and sister-in-law, were burnt to ashes inside the shop.”

Her stepdaughter, Janet Erdoo Terhemba, said she lost eight family members in the attack.

“I wasn’t around when it happened. At first, I was told my uncle was missing. Later, they said they found my father and stepmother. But my uncle and the others, including a toddler were burnt beyond recognition. They were butchered before they were set ablaze.

“My uncle was butchered, his wife too. In total, I lost eight people in one night. They include my two stepmothers, my uncle, aunt, another uncle, my little sister, and two cousins. They were all killed.”

Insiders aiding killers in Benue– CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who was at the scene of the incident to assess the situation and commiserate with Governor Hyacinth Alia and the people of the state, alleged that insiders were collaborating with the attackers.

The CDS said security operatives suspected that some individuals within the communities were giving vital information to the attackers.

“In my estimation, it is one killing too many. We have observed that the way some of the burnings were carried out shows they were targeted. It indicates the presence of insiders compromising security efforts,” the CDS said.

He stressed the need for everybody to be part of the fight to secure the environment.

He assured that the military would review its approach and work closely with local stakeholders to address the crisis.

“We are going to change our strategies to look inwards. But we cannot do it alone. We need the communities to be part of this effort,” he said.

The defence chief said consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities had already begun to restore trust and collaboration.

“There may be issues of trust and we are going to address them. We want this to be the last attack of this nature. We will go all out to ensure peace is restored,” he added.

General Musa said measures being implemented in other parts of the country would be replicated in Benue.

He announced plans to visit Nasarawa State to strengthen border security coordination which he described as critical to curbing cross-border attacks.

“We always receive information that these attackers are coming from across the borders. Wherever they are coming from, we will go after them. We must not wait for them to strike first,” he said.

The defence chief urged young people not to lose hope, insisting that Nigeria must not surrender to the violence.

“This is our country. We can never give up our country for anything. And this madness must stop,” he said.

Insiders aiding killers in Benue – CDS

On his part, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, assured Benue residents of robust operational strategies, including deployment of additional troops to strategic locations to prevent further incursions by criminal elements.

Reacting to the CDS’s visit, the chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Maurice Orwough, said the visit brought renewed hope to the people of the area.

He said: “The visit of the Chief of Defence Staff gives our people in Guma LGA a sense of hope. It shows that the Nigerian government is genuinely concerned about the situation in Benue State. This visit allows us to provide him with first-hand information about what is happening here and what we need.”

He added that the visit would help rebuild residents’ trust in the federal government.

“The quick response from the authorities gives our people some confidence that the government is paying attention. It is a sign of hope for us,” Orwough said.