By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
WIDESPREAD FURY has erupted online as netizens demand the Federal Government declare a state of emergency in Benue State following a brutal two-day massacre that left over 200 people feared dead in the Guma Local Government Area.
The killings, allegedly carried out by suspected herders, occurred overnight between June 13 and 14 in Yelewata community, where witnesses report entire families and security personnel were burned alive in their homes.
The bloodshed has ignited comparisons to recent political events, particularly the March 2025 declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State over a political dispute that resulted in no recorded fatalities.
Nigerians have criticised the perceived double standard, questioning why a humanitarian catastrophe in Benue has yet to prompt a similar level of federal urgency.
Security forces have confirmed at least 45 deaths, but local leaders estimate the actual toll to be much higher.
Community voices across the country have taken to social media platforms, expressing disbelief at what they see as the government’s muted response to mass killings.
“My heart goes out to the people of Benue. 200 is a lot!!!
“And the govt didn’t declare a state of emergency. Nigerian leaders hate Nigerians!” posted a user under the handle @1creeknation.
Under increasing pressure, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the military, police, and intelligence services to restore peace and security in the state.
He described the killings as “deeply concerning” and called for urgent action.
The presidential directive was issued through information and strategy adviser Bayo Onanuga, ending days of official silence that had fuelled national outrage.
Security personnel have since arrived in Benue to oversee stabilisation operations.
Tinubu also directed the state governor, Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to organise peace meetings between the warring groups and foster reconciliation.
He warned that inflammatory rhetoric from political or community leaders could further ignite tensions and must be avoided.
Condemnation of the attacks has come from across the political and civic spectrum.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, Deputy Governor of Benue State Sam Ode, and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have all spoken out, describing the killings as shocking and unacceptable.
Meanwhile, the government has continued to scramble to contain the fallout while demands for justice and accountability continue to grow.
Already, many Nigerians keep insisting that leadership must not wait for political expediency before acting to protect lives.
