By Benue Diaspora Groups

Deep in the heart of Nigeria’s North Central geo-political zone, precisely in Benue state, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding—regular bloody, disturbing and persistent shedding of the blood of innocent children, women, the old, poor, marginalized and neglected people is gradually becoming institutionalized.

The state of Benue, once hailed as the food basket of the nation, now groans under the weight of unprovoked violence, displacement, and unchecked killings.

From the perspective of the Benue Peoples in Diaspora the foregoing is not a mere unrest or communal clashes; it is a systematic campaign of terror and ethnic cleansing that has left behind a trail of blood, tears, and scorched earth.

Yet, federal attention remains minimal,deserved humane dispositions grossly inadequate, and justice elusive.

A recent open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signed by leaders of the Benue diaspora group, including Prof. Akaa D. Ayangeakaa of the Mutual Union of Tiv in America and Chief Edwin Ochai of Idoma USA, captures the pain and indignation of a people pushed to the edge. It is a chilling indictment of government inaction and a heartfelt plea for truth, justice, and a return to humanity.

The group notes with particular concern that, over the past few months, attacks in Benue have escalated in brutality and frequency. In Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area (LGA), more than 70 civilians were massacred in May 2025. Just weeks later, on June 14, Yelewata in Guma LGA witnessed the horrendous murder of over 200 people in what survivors and local observers describe not as a clash, but as a coordinated execution. These were not accidental casualties of crossfire—victims included infants, elderly, and women who were burned alive or hacked to death in their sleep.

The letter decries the Federal Government’s characterization of these atrocities as “reprisal attacks” within the context of a “farmer-herder conflict,” a phrase that has long been used to obscure the complex, and often one-sided, nature of the violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. According to the authors, this narrative is both offensive and factually wrong. It ignores the asymmetry of the attacks and lends legitimacy to what can effectively be described as ethnic cleansing. Therefore, calling on the leadership of the state to embark on reconciliatory journey does not arise.

“Was the 7-month-old baby who was hacked with a hatchet and burned alive also a farmer?” the letter asks in bitter disbelief. “Were the infants who died while clinging to their mothers’ breasts part of a ‘farmers-herders conflict’?”

These rhetorical questions are not just expressions of outrage—they expose the moral absurdity of equating unarmed villagers with armed marauders as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made it to sound.

With a heart full of sadness, the President should kindly note that, what is happening in Benue is systematic and widespread. From Agatu to Gwer West, Otukpo to Kwande, and from the rivers of Apa to the farms of Buruku, entire communities have been uprooted, and ancestral lands forcibly seized. Humanitarian organizations estimate that over 2 million Benue indigenes now live in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, a staggering figure for a state whose agricultural productivity is crucial to national food security architecture.

“Benue has become a site of lost dreams and broken hopes,” the mentioned letter states. Once a state of vibrant rural life and thriving agribusiness, it now reels from economic sabotage, emotional trauma, and cultural erasure.

The devastation also carries serious implications for Nigeria’s food security. As the letter notes, Benue farmers are not mere subsistence growers; they are major contributors to large-scale food production. The breakdown of rural security is thus not just a local concern—it threatens supply chains, livelihoods, and export potential far beyond state borders.

The letter does not mince words about the federal government’s apparent indifference. It takes a particular issue with a June 15 statement by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. The statement, which labeled the massacres as “reprisal attacks,” is described as “deeply offensive and disheartening.” The authors accuse the federal narrative of “false balance”—an attempt to diplomatically distribute blame and downplay the one-sided nature of the violence.

“There have been no provocations from Benue communities that could justify the scale or frequency of the violence,” the letter argues. “What we witness are deliberate, organized, and targeted attacks on unarmed civilians… To call it anything less than genocide ignores the suffering of thousands and emboldens the perpetrators.”

Moreover, while President Tinubu reportedly cancelled a visit to Kaduna to visit Benue on June 18, the letter emphasised that the gesture, though appreciated, falls short of what the situation demands. In the authors’ view, the lack of federal arrests, prosecutions, or significant interventions represents a dereliction of constitutional responsibility.

“Are Benue lives worthless?” they ask, underscoring the stark disparity in federal responses when violence occurs in other parts of the country like Sokoto, Kano, or Maiduguri.

The letter outlines a six-point demand list, forming a roadmap to justice and long-term peace in the region as follows.

Public Acknowledgment: A clear and unequivocal presidential condemnation of the massacres as acts of terror and ethnic cleansing.

It also demands security Deployment: A coordinated and sustained federal military presence in vulnerable LGAs including Guma, Ukum, Logo, Agatu, Kwande, and Otukpo.

The Diaspora group equally calls for Independent Investigation: A transparent probe into the role—or failure—of military and police personnel in protecting communities, with legal consequences for any found complicity.

As regards resettlement and rehabilitation the Diaspora network prefers a situation where federal program to rebuild homes, farms, schools, and clinics in destroyed communities are adequately compensate victims.

For land Recovery, it was specifically agreed that legal and strategic efforts are made to reclaim ancestral lands and ensure the dignified return of displaced persons.

Equally, Authentic Dialogue, should not be construed to be between “warring parties,” but between the Federal Government and Benue stakeholders to address structural injustices and long-standing grievances.

The letter’s tone is not one of helplessness, but of resolve. It is a reminder that the people of Benue are not asking for charity. It is ladden with specific request. They are demanding justice, constitutional protection, and an end to impunity. The authors challenge the President to demonstrate leadership and humanity in a time of crisis.

“True leadership is measured by how a nation’s leader responds to the cries of their people for justice,” the letter concludes. “The people of Benue are not asking for handouts. We demand our right to life.”

Indeed, while President Tinubu’s visit to Benue is a symbolic gesture, the people yearn for tangible policy actions: security reforms, judicial accountability, and a narrative reset that affirms their dignity.

This moment, as the letter emphasizes, is a test—not just of Tinubu’s administration, but of Nigeria’s collective conscience. Will this be remembered as the time the Nigerian state turned a blind eye to genocide within its borders? Or will it mark the beginning of a turnaround—a time when silence was broken, truth acknowledged, and justice pursued?

The suffering in Benue is real. The fear is real. But so too is the opportunity for moral leadership.

What is at stake is not only the future of Benue State but the soul of a nation. A just and unified Nigeria cannot be built on the foundation of ignored tragedies and double standards. It can only emerge when every citizen, regardless of ethnicity or region, is guaranteed the right to life, safety, and belonging.

As the dust settles on yet another massacre, the Nigerian government must answer the question echoing from every IDP camp, every mass grave, and every weeping mother in Benue: How many more must die before justice becomes policy?

Announcer/Contact: Benue Diaspora Groups* through the Benue Directorate of Diaspora Linkages and Investments

By Alih Shehu Aminu

The Executive Director of the Africa Polling Institute (API), Prof. Bell Ihua has revealed that Nigeria will launch its 2025 Social Cohesion Survey report on July 3rd 2025, to bridge the persistent gap between data availability and its practical application in fostering national unity, social harmony and long-term stability.

He made this known at a one-day workshop for journalists held in Abuja.

Themed, “Promoting Effective Media Reportage Through the Use of Social Cohesion Data”, the workshop was aimed at building the capacity of journalists and media professionals so as to interpret, contextualize and apply social cohesion data in storytelling and advocacy for peacebuilding and national integration.

Ihua explained that while Nigeria faces deep-rooted social cohesion challenges – ranging from low trust in government to high polarization and poor access to justice – equipping the media with data literacy skills has become necessary and strategic to shape narratives that promote unity over division.

According to him, recent findings reveal that Nigerians tend to trust traditional and religious leaders more than governmental institutions, and that access to justice is largely viewed as a privilege reserved for the wealthy and well-connected.

“Our survey findings consistently show that many Nigerians believe that justice is not equally accessible,” Ihua said. “Only the rich and powerful seem able to seek redress, and this perception feeds into wider disillusionment with the state.”

He urged citizens to adopt a mindset that prioritizes national identity over ethnic, regional, or religious affiliations. “We must begin to see ourselves as Nigerians first. It is this shift in orientation that builds bridges of understanding and strengthens social cohesion.”

Prof. Ihua emphasised that data can provide vital insights into issues such as trust, social relations, solidarity, civic participation, and perceptions of national unity. He stated that understanding these dimensions can inform policy decisions, enrich journalism and improve national dialogue.

He noted that the upcoming 2025 survey will be API’s fourth national report on social cohesion, following earlier editions that helped define key indicators for measuring unity, tolerance, trust, civic responsibility and inclusiveness across the country’s diverse population.

“We present the data in a way that captures people’s attitudes and lived experiences. The goal is to use this data to drive development, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance,” he said.

On his part, Dr. Olusoji Adeniyi, a social policy expert and lead facilitator at the workshop, reiterated that the session was designed to close the gap between data generation and actionable response, pointing out that social cohesion as “the strength of relationships and the sense of solidarity within a society,” is significant for national stability, democratic governance and inclusive development.

“In Nigeria, we have rich datasets and warning systems, but the challenge has been translating that data into meaningful action,” he said. “Journalists, as agenda-setters, must be equipped to use this data in ways that deepen public understanding and shape policy.”

Adeniyi further noted that API’s nationwide surveys have revealed widespread public dissatisfaction and growing divides along religious, ethnic, and political lines, with many stakeholders still unaware of these dynamics or unable to apply them in policymaking or civic programming.

He called for urgent, data-driven interventions to mitigate fragmentation and strengthen national cohesion before these divisions escalate further.

Founder of Akweya TV and media trainer, Odoh Okenyodo advised journalists to approach social cohesion reporting with professionalism, responsibility, and a strong sense of civic duty. He warned that reporting on sensitive identity-related topics comes with inherent risks, particularly in conflict-prone areas.

“Journalists face real threats – from limited access to reliable information, to harassment and the absence of proper insurance or institutional protections,” he said. “But this must not deter you from reporting the truth responsibly. What matters is how we frame our stories and the language we use.”

He urged journalists to avoid sensationalism and instead focus on context, nuance and solutions-based journalism, especially when covering issues that cut across ethnic, religious, or regional lines.

Development expert, Titilope Ojo also addressed participants, reflecting on the difficult balance between editorial independence and media ownership interests. She acknowledged that many journalists work under employers who prioritise political or economic motives over nation-building narratives.

“Despite these challenges, journalists must remain conscious of their responsibility to promote national interest,” she said. “Nationalism is crucial for unity and progress. As media professionals, we have to intentionally push stories that inspire shared values and identity.”

Dr. Obiora Chukwumba, a journalism scholar and analyst, delivered a presentation on the role of media and storytelling in shaping national identity and fostering cohesion. He lamented the declining quality of journalism in Nigeria, citing poor funding and dwindling reach as major factors.

“Many media outlets no longer have the resources to do in-depth or investigative reporting,” he noted. “This affects their ability to tell stories that reflect the diversity of the Nigerian experience or promote unity.”

He called for sustainable business models for media organisations and renewed investments in training and innovation to elevate journalism standards.

Head of mass communication at Baze University, Dr. Hamisu Muhammad delivered a keynote lecture on the interplay between identity, nationalism, and the media. He attributed Nigeria’s sociopolitical challenges to “micro-nationalism” – a trend where ethnic or regional affiliations are prioritised over a shared national identity.

“Media can either be part of the solution or exacerbate the problem,” he said. “It all depends on the editorial choices we make and the values we choose to promote.”

He concluded by highlighting the urgent need for a more inclusive and nuanced media approach – one that recognises Nigeria’s diversity but actively works to bridge differences rather than entrench them.

As Nigeria prepares to launch the 2025 Social Cohesion Survey, API and its partners hope that the insights generated will not only inform government policy but also equip journalists and civic actors to tell stories that unify, heal and build trust.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, explained why his administration decided to prioritize high-impact transportation infrastructure in Nigeria.

He said this is because no nation cam make noticeable progress without modernization and expansion of its critical public mobility.

Mr.

  President stated this at the  commissioning of  the newly constructed kugbo bus terminal in Abuja.

He said revitalize  Nigeria’s infrastructure will enhance the lives of Nigerians, create an environment where security and efficiency.

According to Tinubu, “The decision of my administration to prioritize high-impact transportation infrastructure, among which is this bus and taxi terminal, is based on the undeniable fact that no nation around the world has been recorded to have made any noticeable progress without modernization and expansion of its critical public mobility and public utilities.

“As encapsulated in the renewal agenda of my administration, my solemn promise to rebuild and revitalize our nation’s infrastructure, enhance the lives of Nigerians, create an environment where security and efficiency become the order of the day, are being fulfilled, one significant step at a time.

“You will all agree with me that the Mabuchi and now Kubo International Bus Terminals meet with global practices, meet with global principles of sustainable urban development in the area of transportation, and automatically erase these ugly experiences of chaotic public transportation in our capital city, previously fraught with challenges.”

He said, “The terminals align with development goals of transit-oriented cities with smart mobility, compact living spaces, parking management, winning support of stakeholders and citizens, and ultimately transforming lives”.

Earlier the  President of the Senate, 

Senator Godswill Akpabio, in speech commended the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, for the transformation of Abuja and for implementation of the budget. 

According to him, “You also said that some people are not aware that the President is working. They don’t need to be aware. When I came the other day, I mentioned to you, when you commissioned the interchange at Katampe, I told you that today in FCT, that even the blind can see the good work that you and the President are doing.

“I said so because, together with my colleagues, we are the ones who are citing the FCT. It’s not enough to just do a budget without implementation. We are very proud of what is happening here.

“That interchange and other interchanges are the structures that have transformed the Federal Capital Territory. And some people may come to ask, why were these things not happening in the past?”.

Mandate Secretary Transport, Dr. Elechi Chinedum, in his speech said the construction of Kugbo bus terminal is strategic and  it would serve the people in the area.

The area which is densely populated and it would serve the people as far as keffi, Nyanya, Karshi etc. 

He said the construction took less than 15 months.  The bus terminal is expected to operate for 24 hours. 

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