The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, an umbrella organisation representing Nigeria’s Igbo population, has called for immediate government intervention following the deadly attack on Yelwata community in Benue State, which left more than 100 people dead and many displaced.
In a statement released by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze described the killings as a “horrific tragedy” and criticised both the federal and Benue State governments for their lack of timely response.
“The carnage that unfolded in Yelwata is both tragic and deeply alarming,” the statement read. “The loss of innocent lives and destruction of property during the night assault reflect a disturbing pattern of unchecked violence.”
Dr Chukwu stressed that the sanctity of human life must be upheld in all circumstances and condemned what he called the “normalisation of mass killings” in some regions of Nigeria.
Ohanaeze called attention to the failure of law enforcement and security agencies to contain the growing spate of violence in Benue, and warned that the continued deterioration of security could derail national development.
The group also proposed a national conversation to address the root causes of the farmer-herder conflict, urging both the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to cooperate on a lasting peace initiative.
“We recommend a high-level national dialogue involving community leaders, stakeholders, and security operatives,” Chukwu said. “The time has come to end this vicious cycle of violence. Nigeria’s future depends on it.”
