… As over 6,500 displaced in renewed attacks
Former Senate President David Mark has expressed deep concern over the rising wave of violence in Benue State, warning that residents may be forced to resort to self-defence if the government continues to fail in its duty to protect lives and property.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Paul Mumeh, Mark described the continued killings in Benue communities as “senseless, tragic, and unacceptable,” saying the worsening security situation has reached a tipping point.
“This is the unfortunate reality the Benue people are confronted with,” he said.
“The government must rise to its responsibility or risk leaving the people with no option but to defend themselves.”
Mark criticised what he called the sustained loss of lives and destruction of property, emphasising that the foremost duty of any government is to ensure the safety and welfare of its people. “Any deviation from this mandate constitutes a gross disservice to the people,” he added.
He called on the federal government to urgently fulfil its constitutional responsibility and urged the Benue State government, under Governor Hyacinth Alia, to intensify efforts to restore peace across affected areas.
Mark further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and other local stakeholders to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and helping to identify those behind the violence.
He expressed solidarity with the people of Benue and encouraged them to unite in the face of what he described as a dark and trying time.
“We must unite, mobilise, and speak with one voice against the invaders. We must refuse to bow to fear,” he said. While acknowledging the pain and anger in affected communities, he also advised residents to remain law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“Despite the provocations, we must remain law-abiding, stay united, and uphold the enduring spirit of being our brothers’ keeper,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that more than 6,500 people have been displaced in the wake of recent coordinated attacks by unidentified gunmen across Benue communities.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, NEMA said the most recent assault took place on Saturday in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where armed men launched a deadly attack, killing and injuring several residents.
Security response teams, including the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were dispatched to the scene following a distress alert. However, they encountered heavy resistance. Two soldiers and one NSCDC officer were killed in an ambush at Daudu while responding to the crisis.
Dozens of victims sustained serious injuries, with 46 people rushed to nearby hospitals. Sadly, 20 later died while receiving treatment. Medical teams at the scene have called for urgent blood donations to assist with ongoing emergency care.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the attack, noting that several of the assailants were killed in a gun battle with security forces.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, relief operations have been launched at a newly established Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the Makurdi International Market.
NEMA, in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Red Cross, and the International Organization for Migration, is coordinating emergency response and aid delivery.
Over 3,000 individuals, including women and children, are now sheltering at the camp. As of Sunday night, 1,069 households were recorded, comprising 6,527 displaced persons.
Among them are 1,768 females, 759 males, 657 children under 18, and 1,870 adults above 18. The breakdown also includes 252 lactating mothers, 82 pregnant women, and 91 elderly persons.
Relief officials say urgent supplies of food, water, bedding, and medical essentials are being mobilised to support the displaced.
