Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State took to the streets of Makurdi on Thursday to protest poor living conditions and lack of food supplies at their temporary shelter. The protest followed deadly attacks last Friday and Saturday by suspected armed herders, which claimed the lives of over 200 residents, including men, women, and children.
The displaced persons, now sheltered at the Makurdi International Ultra-Modern Market, marched through the busy Abu King Shuluwa Road, chanting protest songs and demanding urgent government intervention. They decried neglect by both federal and state authorities and alleged mismanagement of relief donations. Traffic was held up for hours during the peaceful demonstration.
One of the IDPs, who identified himself as Liambe, voiced deep frustration, saying:
> “They brought us here from our community but left us in hunger. Even the money that was donated to us by Senator Akume—nobody has given us anything. So, we want them to either treat us well or return us to our community. It is better for us that way.”
The protest, however, was dismissed by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) as “sponsored.” Dr. Donald Komgbenda, BSEMA’s Administrative Officer, defended the agency’s handling of the crisis. According to him, the agency had initially catered for 190 IDPs but the number had suddenly swelled to over 3,500 people, making logistics more complex.
He explained that:
> “We were distributing food and profiling new arrivals to ensure fair distribution. We cooked for them initially but switched to giving raw food due to the increased number. The protest was instigated by those who wanted to be included in the sharing of donations.”
Dr. Komgbenda added that N12 million in donations—N10 million from Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and N2 million from another senator—had been fairly allocated, with N6 million set aside for the Yelewata community and the remaining half for camp management operations.
Political Leaders Criticize Tinubu’s Visit to Benue
The IDPs’ outcry comes amid growing criticism from political figures over President Bola Tinubu’s recent condolence visit to Benue State.
Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, strongly condemned the President and Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he described as a tone-deaf and politically motivated visit. Taking to his X handle, Obi lamented:
> “Instead of a solemn, reflective visit, we saw a campaign-like spectacle. The President arrived in celebratory agbada instead of mourning attire. Children were lined up in the rain to dance and wave at him. This is not leadership—it is optics over empathy.”
He continued, saying the government’s response lacked compassion:
> “Precious lives were lost, and instead of national mourning, we organized a parade. That is not how any compassionate nation behaves.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar echoed Obi’s sentiments, branding the visit a “political show.” His spokesperson, Paul Ibe, criticized the government’s failure to address the root causes of insecurity, saying:
> “Instead of solving security issues, the administration is preoccupied with preparations for 2027. The presence of political appointees rather than security professionals in key roles is part of the problem.”
Farotimi: Tinubu’s Visit Was More Harmful Than Helpful
Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi also condemned Tinubu’s visit, stating it would have been better had the President not come at all. He praised the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, for calling the attacks a “genocidal land-grabbing campaign,” but said:
> “The rest of the visit was a tragic performance. It was a theatre for 2027 political optics, not a show of empathy. Over 200 people died and the President barely acknowledged it—it felt like he was dancing on their graves.”
Federal Government Moves to Resolve Crisis
In response to the ongoing violence and the uproar, President Tinubu has directed SGF George Akume to coordinate a high-level committee to seek lasting peace in Benue. The committee will include former state governors, traditional leaders like the Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma, and other stakeholders.
A statement by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the SGF, said:
> “The committee will engage with communities and develop strategies to address the root causes of the conflict, promote reconciliation, and restore peace in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Senator Yari and Police Trust Fund Respond
Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari, representing Zamfara West, assured the people of Benue that the perpetrators of the killings would be brought to justice. He emphasized:
> “President Tinubu does not make empty threats. His visit was a show of leadership and a direct message to criminals that their actions will not go unpunished.”
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Femi Sheidu, urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attacks. Speaking in Ebonyi State, Sheidu remarked:
> “Violence of this scale cannot be normalized. A strong, responsive policing system must be in place to deter and address such tragedies.”
Conclusion
As the nation mourns yet another wave of mass killings, tensions continue to rise over how the crisis in Benue is being managed. The displaced persons, political opposition, and human rights advocates are demanding accountability, justice, and true empathy from those in power. For many, the response so far has only deepened their grief and sense of abandonment.
