The security crisis in Benue State has taken a worsening turn, with over 200 persons feared killed and many more still missing following the recent massacre in Yelewata community, located in Guma Local Government Area.

In an exclusive interview with NaijaBlogDaily, Jimin Geoffrey, a former Senior Special Assistant on Media to ex-Governor Samuel Ortom, accused the government of playing politics with the lives of innocent citizens while suspected armed Fulani herdsmen continue to terrorize rural communities across the state.

“Over 200 People Killed, Many Still Missing” – Geoffrey Cries Out

• Geoffrey, who contested in the last Benue State House of Assembly election to represent Guma 1 State Constituency, confirmed that many of the victims of the Yelewata killings are yet to be accounted for.

• “The official figure being circulated is even lower than reality. Many families have lost over 20 people. The victims were mostly displaced persons already living in makeshift shelters like warehouses and shops. The attackers burned them alive,” Geoffrey said.

He described Yelewata as an unofficial IDP camp before the attack, with thousands of displaced citizens who had fled earlier herdsmen violence now falling victim once again.

Armed Herders Still Grazing Freely Despite Ultimatum

Despite a 14-day ultimatum issued by Benue traditional rulers and the recent visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Makurdi for a stakeholders’ meeting, heavily armed herdsmen are still openly grazing across several parts of Guma LGA, Geoffrey alleged.

“The same people who carried out the massacre are still in our communities. They even sleep in houses that they deliberately left unburned. They’ve taken over farmlands and villages with their cattle and weapons,” he claimed.

Geoffrey added that a local resident was recently stabbed by herders after attempting to block them from invading his farm.

“Governor Alia Playing Politics While People Die”

Geoffrey delivered a scathing assessment of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing him of failing to speak truthfully to power about the state of insecurity.

• “Governor Alia has not boldly told the Federal Government what is happening here. He is trying to play safe politically while his people are dying daily. If you are the Chief Security Officer of the state, you must be the voice of your people — not shield the perpetrators,” he said.

• According to him, both the state and federal governments are politicizing the crisis, allowing violent groups to operate unchecked.

“They are playing politics with terrorism. If I, as a private citizen, know where these herders are hiding, why can’t our security agencies track them down?” he asked.

Loss of Confidence in Military Presence

Responding to concerns about military deployments in affected areas, Geoffrey said many residents no longer trust the security forces.

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“Too many attacks have happened with military personnel just a few meters away. People now suspect everyone. They’ve lost faith in those sent to protect them.”

Conclusion: Benue Under Siege as Calls for Action Mount

The situation in Benue State remains dire, with internally displaced persons (IDPs) increasing and vast swaths of farmland overtaken by armed herdsmen. Despite repeated warnings, no significant military action has been taken to drive out the invaders.

Geoffrey’s passionate appeal echoes a wider sentiment of frustration among Benue residents, who feel abandoned by both Governor Alia’s administration and the Tinubu-led Federal Government.

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