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| Members of Benue State House of Assembly in session |
On [Date], armed herders attacked Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area. They burned homes and killed scores of people in coordinated strikes . Reports say entire families, including children, died in their beds. Witnesses describe the violence as shocking and brutal. This atrocity follows similar attacks across Benue this year.
Hon. Uche Terwase, representing Guma 1 State Constituency, moved a motion under urgent public importance. He detailed the destruction of property and loss of life in Yelwata . The House unanimously adopted the motion. Lawmakers condemned the killings as barbaric and a form of ethnic cleansing .
The Assembly resolved to observe mourning from Wednesday, June 18 to Friday, June 20, 2025. This period honours Yelwata victims and other attack survivors . Public flags will fly at half-mast, and state functions will pause.
Lawmakers urged citizens to stay vigilant and defend their lives lawfully. They stressed action within the law to avoid further loss. The Assembly blamed the lax response of security forces for rising deaths . Members said local self-help can fill gaps until agencies improve their response.
The House demanded full activation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017. They called on Governor Alia to ensure the law ends herder attacks . Under the law, open grazing is banned and ranching is regulated. Lawmakers said strict enforcement can curb violence.
At a press briefing in Makurdi, CSOs led by Lazarus Mom of BENGONET pressed for justice. They said over 712 lives died in conflict attacks since January 2025. More than 180,000 people are now displaced and live in camps . CSOs rejected calls for a state-of-emergency, urging lasting legal action instead.
Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre condemned the killings. He urged the government to bring culprits to book . He said faith leaders will support peace efforts and community healing.
Comrade Daniel Onjeh, an APC chieftain, called the attacks criminal acts not farmers-herders clashes . He said genuine herders no longer roam Benue under the anti-grazing law. Onjeh urged President Tinubu to treat Yelwata as a national emergency and act swiftly.
Lawmakers and CSOs criticized slow responses by police and military. They said agencies failed to patrol vulnerable areas and delayed rescue efforts . Calls grew for better coordination between state and federal forces. Experts say improved intelligence sharing can save lives.
The Assembly noted that most farmers now avoid open fields due to risk. Lawmakers stressed the need for ranches and grazing reserves. They said ranching can boost local economies and reduce clashes . Some farmers support regulated grazing to protect crops and families.
Governor Alia has not yet issued a public statement on this resolution. He faces pressure to act on mourning, grazing laws, and security gaps. Observers say his next address must reassure residents and outline clear steps.
Benue’s leaders demand justice and swift law enforcement. They call on citizens to stay alert and seek legal self-defence. The three-day mourning should unite the state in grief and resolve. Full activation of the anti-open grazing law can curb violence. Only coordinated action by government, civil society, and faith groups can restore peace in Benue.