Benue Is Bleeding — Will President Tinubu Finally Act?

Benue State is under siege. The images coming out of communities like Yelwata are haunting — blood-soaked homes, mass graves, and families shattered by relentless attacks from armed herders and bandits. For too long, these killings have continued without a clear response from the federal government.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has issued a powerful and urgent call to action. In a statement released Monday, the group’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, demanded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declare a constitutional state of emergency in Benue and immediately launch a comprehensive security operation to stop the bloodshed.

“Even the president’s own party in Benue, the APC, described the most recent killings as a ‘barbaric massacre… a calculated ethnic cleansing campaign. Calling these ‘warring parties’ is not just false — it’s cruel.”

The President doesn’t need to sack the governor or dissolve the legislature — something that would be unconstitutional. But under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the president can and should act when a state government is overwhelmed. And right now, Benue’s leadership is clearly out of its depth.

RULAAC’s demands are clear and direct:
• Launch a full-scale security operation, involving the military and police, coordinated from the highest levels of national security.
• Integrate existing operations like Operation Whirl Stroke into a single mission with a clear command structure and urgency.
• Prosecute all arrested terrorists and killers without delay — no more impunity.
• Visit affected communities like Yelwata to meet survivors, offer support, and announce relief and rebuilding plans.

Perhaps the most striking part of the statement is the rejection of the idea that reconciliation is possible without justice.

“Stop pressuring Governor Alia to ‘dialogue’ with terrorists,” Nwanguma said. “There is no dialogue with genocidal actors. Mass murderers should be prosecuted, not pacified.”

We’ve seen too many “peace meetings” where nothing changes. Too many press releases, too many condolence visits with no follow-through. What Benue — and Nigeria — needs now is action. Real action. Justice. Protection. Accountability.

As Mr. Nwanguma bluntly put it:

“Mr. President, Nigerians are watching. The world is watching. And history is watching. This is your test. This is your Rubicon. Do not cross to the wrong side of history.”